NAFLD in Women: Symptoms, Causes, and Health Risks

Introduction

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a silent but serious health issue that is increasingly affecting women, including those who do not consume alcohol. With lifestyle changes, hormonal fluctuations, and underlying conditions like obesity or PCOS, more women are at risk than ever before. In this article, we explore the symptoms, causes, and why early diagnosis is essential for women’s liver health.

What is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

NAFLD is a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver despite little or no alcohol intake. If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and even liver failure.

Why NAFLD Affects Women

Women are particularly vulnerable to NAFLD due to hormonal changes, especially during menopause or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metabolic conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, thyroid disorders, and type 2 diabetes are also more common in women and are key risk factors for developing NAFLD.

Symptoms of NAFLD in Women

Most women with NAFLD do not experience obvious symptoms in the early stages. However, some may notice the following:

Persistent fatigue
Mild discomfort or pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Irregular menstrual cycles or hormonal imbalance
Swelling in the abdomen (in advanced stages)
Elevated liver enzymes in blood test reports

Often, NAFLD is detected incidentally during routine health check-ups or ultrasound scans.

Causes of NAFLD in Non-Drinking Women

Although NAFLD is not caused by alcohol, several other factors can contribute to fat accumulation in the liver:

Obesity: Especially abdominal or visceral fat increases liver fat storage.
Insulin Resistance: Frequently seen in PCOS and diabetes, this disrupts fat metabolism.
Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle contributes to metabolic syndrome.
Hormonal Changes: Particularly during menopause, estrogen levels drop, increasing liver fat risk.
Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in refined sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods worsen liver health.
Genetic Predisposition: Family history of diabetes, obesity, or liver disease raises the risk.

Diagnosis

NAFLD is often diagnosed through the following methods:

Abdominal ultrasound or liver scan
Liver function tests (LFTs)
FibroScan or liver MRI to assess stiffness and fat levels
Blood tests including lipid profile, fasting glucose, and HbA1c

Prevention and Lifestyle Management

While NAFLD can be serious, it is manageable and reversible in early stages with lifestyle modifications:

Eat a nutrient-rich diet that is low in sugar and processed fats
Engage in regular physical activity, at least five days a week
Maintain a healthy body weight and BMI
Manage conditions like PCOS, diabetes, and thyroid imbalance
Avoid unnecessary medications or herbal supplements that may affect liver function

When to Consult a Doctor

If you are experiencing persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, or upper abdominal pain—or if you have a history of metabolic conditions—it is advisable to undergo a liver health screening.

Visit Shree Polyclinic & Lab – Bangalore

We provide comprehensive liver health assessments, including ultrasound, liver function testing, and metabolic screening tailored specifically for women.

Our branches are located at HSR Layout, Arekere, Bannerghatta Road, and Akshayanagar.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Women: Symptoms, Causes, and Health Risks