We need a healthy gallbladder in order to have healthy hormones, but our hormones can also impact that function of our gallbladder. In fact, on this week’s Are You Menstrual? Podcast episode with @gallbladder.nutritionist, we learned that many gallbladder issues are the result of a hormone imbalance.

One of the most common hormone imbalances that contributes to gallstone formation is estrogen dominance.

Estrogen increases the amount of cholesterol to bile salts, which can cause thicker bile. This is a precursor for gallstones. This is why it is known that pregnancy, HRT and hormonal birth control all increase risk of gallstones.

Progesterone also impacts gallbladder function since it can impair the function of the sphincter of oddi, which interrupts the flow of bile.

If we combine a poor functioning gallbladder and saturated bile (from excess estrogen), then you have the perfect recipe for gallstone formation

Olivia shares her story about how she used to have gallbladder symptoms at different points in her cycle because of the hormonal shifts. You can hear her story and listen to the full episode here.

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