14 Causes & Triggers of Gallstones You Shouldn’t Ignore (List)

High Estrogen

Excessively high estrogen levels can potentially cause gallstones. It can result from taking specific medications or developing naturally. When the body’s estrogen isn’t balanced, women may develop symptoms. These include bloating, breast tenderness or swelling, fibrocystic lumps inside the breasts, decreased sex drive, irregular periods, mood swings, headaches, panic attacks and anxiety, sleeplessness, hair loss, and memory problems. For men, this can include infertility, gynecomastia, and erectile dysfunction.

Doctors who suspect high estrogen may order blood tests to determine the patient’s hormone level. Its results should indicate whether there’s too much or too little estrogen in the body. If estrogen is abnormally high, it could put one at a much greater risk of stroke and blood clots. It can also cause thyroid dysfunction, leading to symptoms like weight changes and fatigue. Thus, it mustn’t be untreated for too long.

Managing estrogen dominance can be done through dietary changes, prescription medication, or surgery. Those undergoing hormone therapy will most likely have the plan adjusted or changed to maintain a healthier hormonal balance. In addition, cancer patients may be given specific medications to keep estrogen from binding with compromised cells. In severe cases, surgical procedures may be deemed necessary.