Liver and Health: Why Men and Women Develop Diseases Differently
The liver is the largest organ in the human body and performs vital functions: it filters toxins from the blood, aids in digestion, and stores energy. However, it can be subject to various diseases caused by genetic factors, viral infections, or an unhealthy lifestyle. While liver diseases affect both genders, men and women may have different risks and incidences. Let’s explore the main differences.
Liver Diseases: What Are They and How Do They Manifest?
There are over one hundred types of liver diseases, which can develop as chronic (long-term) or acute (sudden onset). Some of the most common include:
- Cirrhosis: Permanent damage due to scarring of liver tissue, often a result of chronic diseases.
- Autoimmune liver diseases: When the immune system attacks the liver, compromising its function.
- Alcoholic liver disease: Linked to excessive alcohol consumption, it can develop into inflammation and cirrhosis if untreated.
- Viral hepatitis: Caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, and C, these can have severe consequences on liver health.
- Fatty liver disease (steatosis): Characterized by a buildup of fat in liver cells. If accompanied by inflammation and cell damage, it’s called steatohepatitis.
- Liver cancer: The most common form is hepatocellular carcinoma, which is more likely to occur in the presence of chronic liver diseases.
How Gender Affects the Risk of Liver Disease
Certain risk factors for liver disease affect both men and women, including:
- Diabetes.
- Excessive alcohol consumption (more than two drinks per day for men, more than one for women).
- Unprotected sexual intercourse, increasing the risk of viral hepatitis.
- Overweight, often linked to fatty liver disease.
- Intravenous drug use, a potential vehicle for liver infections.
The symptoms of liver diseases are similar in both genders. Some people show no signs at all, while others may experience:
- Fatigue.
- Abdominal pain and swelling.
- Pale stools and dark urine.
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
- Nausea, vomiting, and persistent itching.
Studies continue to explore the connection between gender and liver disease. While some conditions are more common in men, women are more vulnerable to others due to biological and hormonal differences.
Men and Liver Diseases
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, men have a higher risk of developing liver diseases compared to women. Specifically:
- Men are more prone to cirrhosis.
- They are twice as likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of primary liver cancer.
- They have a higher mortality rate from chronic liver diseases.
Furthermore, a study published in Hepatology highlighted that fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) is more common in men than in premenopausal women. However, after menopause, the risk in women increases, reaching levels similar to or higher than those in men.
Women and Liver Diseases
According to the same study, female hormones can influence the incidence of fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD) in postmenopausal women. Specifically, those who undergo hormone therapy after menopause have lower rates of MASLD compared to those who do not.
Additionally, women are more likely to die from MASLD compared to men. Researchers suggest that hepatic metabolism plays a key role in the gender differences related to liver disease onset.
Gender differences also emerge in alcoholic liver disease: women who consume excessive alcohol are at a greater risk of liver damage than men. According to the CDC, this is because women metabolize alcohol more slowly, prolonging its toxic effects on the liver.
Finally, women are more vulnerable to autoimmune liver diseases. According to the American Liver Foundation, autoimmune hepatitis affects women four times more often than men. Primary biliary cholangitis and benign liver tumors are also more common in women.
How to Prevent Liver Diseases
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is essential to protect the liver and reduce the risk of liver diseases. Here are some good habits to follow:
- Follow a balanced diet and engage in physical activity. Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent obesity and diabetes, two risk factors for liver diseases.
- Limit alcohol consumption and avoid drugs. Excessive alcohol consumption harms the liver. Avoid binge drinking (more than five drinks in one day for men, more than four for women) and drug use.
- Protect yourself from infections. Discuss hepatitis A and B vaccines with your doctor. Use condoms during sexual activity to prevent bloodborne infections.
- Reduce exposure to environmental toxins. Limit contact with harmful substances like pesticides and industrial chemicals, which can compromise liver health.