Hepatitis Symptoms in Women: Unique Risks and Considerations

Author :-

Dr.Sreejaya

General Medicine & Diabetology

Introduction to Hepatitis in Women

An overview of hepatitis

Hepatitis is one of those diseases that highlights the health issues our world faces. It runs into millions every year. Among these, viral infections account for a significant number of cases of liver inflammation, while other causes include alcohol and other autoimmune diseases.

Why hepatitis symptoms in women may differ

Some physiological facts shed light on the wide range of symptoms affecting both women and men. These are primarily caused by various physiological factors, which mostly depend on changes in hormones, pregnancies, and lifestyle choices.

Early detection and treatment are crucial.

Once diagnosed early and properly treated, early treatment can prevent complications like cirrhosis or even liver cancer, resulting in approximately 296 million chronic infections as of 2019. By 2020, an estimated 58 million people had chronic illnesses with the hepatitis C virus.

Types of Hepatitis: An Overview

Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E: Key differences

There are five major types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Other viruses cause all these infections, yet they share similarities in their modes of transmission and treatment.

Hepatitis A: The virus primarily infects water and food. It is usually acute because it does not permanently scar the liver.

Blood, seminal fluid, or any other fluid can cause Hepatitis B (HBV), an infection that can manifest as both acute and chronic. It also spreads horizontally during childbirth, putting women at risk.

Hepatitis C (HCV): HCV is a chronic infection that, by the time it manifests in the bloodstream, has already permanently damaged livers. This condition typically affects women who have undergone surgical procedures or other medical treatments.

Hepatitis D (HDV): This virus only co-infects those patients that have hepatitis B. This virus catalyses hepatitis B infections.

Hepatitis E (HEV): Another waterborne infection closely related to hepatitis A but much deadlier for women in their later stages of pregnancy, particularly in the final three months.

Which types are more common in women?

Therefore, hepatitis B and C are the two possible causes of hepatitis viruses because of their potential to be chronic in nature, as well as specific risks that may develop in pregnant women. Hepatitis E is a significant risk to pregnant females with severe complications that lead to death.

Hepatitis Symptoms in Women

While the symptoms of hepatitis are largely similar in men and women, the progression of the disease in females is likely to differ. Such a difference would cause the disease to manifest early and therefore lead to effective treatment.

Early and common signs of hepatitis

Fatigue
Jaundice causes a yellowish tint to appear on the skin and around the eyes.
Urine turns dark-coloured.
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal or pain and discomfort
Fever
Loss of appetite

How symptoms may differ from men's

For instance, women often struggle to distinguish chronic fatigue from other conditions like anaemia or hormonal imbalances. Research indicates that hepatitis B causes liver disease more frequently in women. Autoimmune hepatitis is much higher among females than men.

Unique risks women face with hepatitis

Pregnant women infected with hepatitis E confront implications for both their maternal and fetal health. Chronic hepatitis patients experience menstrual disorders due to their livers' inability to function properly.

This will include long-term chronic hepatitis, particularly in HCV patients, and the disruption of bone density due to chronic liver disease.

HBV infections and women’s health

What is HBV (Hepatitis B Virus)?

Hepatitis B is one of the viral infections that typically affect the liver. The disease causes both acute and chronic diseases at the same time. Perinatal transmission can occur for this specific disease. Perinatal risk of transmission refers to a vertical risk of transmission. This refers to the risk of contracting an infection at birth. Therefore, we should conduct screening among women, particularly those who are pregnant, to curb this risk.

How HBV affects women differently

Scientific research has also revealed that the incidence of liver cancer is relatively minor among chronic HBV-infected women compared to men, despite their high susceptibility to liver cirrhosis. She also suffers from hormonal imbalance, which prevents her liver from performing its proper functions.

Transmission and prevention methods

HBV is a by-product of bodily fluids such as blood or any other fluid that leaks from the infected patient's body. Methods of prevention Immunisation: The hepatitis B vaccine is highly effective in immunising against the disease. The World Health Organization recommends vaccinating all babies with the hepatitis B vaccine at birth.

Protective Measures: Other ways to prevent hepatitis are through protection from unsafe sexual intercourse and clean needles.

Causes of Hepatitis in Women

Viral infections (HBV, HCV, etc.)

The most common contributing cause of hepatitis in most women is a viral infection, particularly hepatitis B and C. Women who have undergone multiple surgical procedures or blood transfusions may be susceptible to developing hepatitis C.

Lifestyle factors include alcohol consumption, drug use, and fatty liver.

Alcohol Abuse: Once alcohol abuse becomes a habit, it can lead to the inflammation of the liver, known as alcoholic hepatitis.

Drug Abuse: Women who abuse intravenous drugs are more susceptible to the progression of hepatitis B and C.

Fatty Liver Disease: Also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, this condition is more prevalent in women and is associated with risk factors such as obesity and diabetes.

Women face specific risk factors, such as pregnancy

Hepatitis B and E have emerged as the two strains of the virus that kill most in pregnancy. We should consider testing for hepatitis as an integral part of the antenatal profiles of pregnant women. Therefore, routine care packages should absolutely and universally include testing for hepatitis.

Complications of Hepatitis in Women

Some of the serious complications that an individual faces for a protracted time include cirrhosis and liver cancer, which arise due to chronic hepatitis. Some of these complications, such as hepatitis B and C, increase an individual's vulnerability to an extremely high level. If they fail to manage these chronic conditions properly, they run the risk of reaping the benefits.

Long-term risks include liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. How are fatty liver and hepatitis-related?

Hepatitis, specifically hepatitis C, is the cause of this fatty liver disease. Females with this fatty liver disease are more likely to develop cirrhosis after contracting hepatitis.

The fatty liver ultrasound plays a crucial role in both diagnosis and management.

Fatty liver ultrasound is one of the primary test equipment that can denote the existence of fatty liver, which might make the treatment of hepatitis complicated.

Pregnancy and Hepatitis

How hepatitis can impact pregnancy

Hepatitis B and E pose numerous risks to pregnant women. Hepatitis B infects the pregnant woman, putting her at risk of transmitting it to her offspring, while hepatitis E introduces severe complications that can potentially be fatal.

Hepatitis screening during pregnancy

Prenatal care includes testing for hepatitis B and C. If the baby were to receive it, the risk would significantly decrease.

Managing hepatitis during pregnancy is crucial for the safety of both the mother and the baby.

Antiviral treatment can properly care for a pregnant patient with hepatitis, reducing the risk to the baby compared to a normal case.

Hepatitis Treatment for Women

There are available treatment options for different types of hepatitis.

For types A and E, treatment and supportive care are typically sufficient as they do not develop into chronic conditions.

Type B and C: In cases where the disease is chronic, the treatment is with antiviral agents.

The treatment approaches may differ for women.

Women will also differ in their needs compared to men when pregnant. Women with autoimmune hepatitis will also vary in their treatment compared to men.

Preventing Hepatitis in Women

Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B

There are hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccines. Every woman of childbearing age needs vaccination, as does every person who will one day become pregnant.

Lifestyle changes and prevention strategies

Excluding safe sexual practices that do not involve the use of shared needles and abstaining from alcohol use significantly reduces the risk of contracting hepatitis, which can lead to liver diseases.

Regular check-ups and screenings are crucial.

The effects of hepatitis are wide and dangerous, and early diagnosis is achieved through the adaptation of screening tests and immunizations.

Conclusion

This disease can strike at any time, and it presents both advantages and disadvantages, affecting a woman's health regardless of whether she is pregnant or not. Hence, regular check-ups, proper diet management, lifestyle statements, and an understanding of the disease are important. If a woman has hepatitis during her pregnancy, it poses a significant risk to her delivery. The day of delivery is drawing near. So, preventing this disease with all kinds of preventive procedures is a good idea to keep oneself safe.

FAQs

1 What are some of the earliest symptoms of hepatitis in women?

Some of the major symptoms of hepatitis in females include weakness, jaundice, vomiting, abdominal pain, and the development of menstrual disorders.

2 Is hepatitis dangerous to pregnancy?

Yes, hepatitis B and E are dangerous to pregnancy. Therefore, hepatitis B and E can cause complications for both the fetus and the mother, making screening necessary.

3 What modes transfer hepatitis to females?

Additionally, it spreads through contaminated blood, sexual contact, and mother-to-child transmission.

4 Is hepatitis preventable?

Yes, there are vaccines for hepatitis A and B. These immunizations can effectively prevent diseases such as hepatitis.

5 What lifestyle change can prevent hepatitis?

Avoid alcohol consumption; abstain from sexual activities; do not use needles; and get tested to help you with early detection.