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News

Celebrating Women’s Health Week

September 5, 2022 - September 11, 2022

For Women’s Health Week 2022, we wanted to shine a light on liver health in women and how we can all support the women in our lives to be mindful of their livers. Women are more commonly affected by alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol-related cirrhosis. This is due to the way alcohol is metabolised by women, as well as under-reporting of symptoms, leading to lack of diagnosis and further progression of the liver disease.

To prevent this, a maximum of six drinks per week will limit your chances of developing alcohol-related liver disease. Try swapping out one nightly glass of wine for a cup of herbal tea and watch your alcohol intake when going out with friends.

Women are also ten times more likely to develop primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) than men and four times as likely to have autoimmune hepatitis. Because of this, it is important to get regular checkups from your GP if you are experiencing symptoms or believe you are at a greater risk of developing PBC or autoimmune hepatitis.

On the brighter side, it has also been found that women can clear acute hepatitis C infections at a higher rate than men, which means women are seeking out treatments earlier and getting the support they need. The hepatitis B virus affects men and women similarly, however, there is increased maternal and perinatal death associated with hepatitis B contraction during pregnancy. Placenta abruption, preterm birth, gestational hypertension, and fetal growth restriction have been associated with chronic and untreated hepatitis B during pregnancy. It is important that pregnant mothers should frequently check in with their prenatal care doctor to limit risk.

Menopause webinar
The Victorian Women’s Health Services, Epworth Hospital, Victorian Women’s Trust and the Women’s Spirit Project are pleased to offer a free panel discussion on menopause via webinar for ​a diverse audience. People experiencing menopause, community and practitioners in healthcare, and health promotion and community services staff can attend this webinar. The session will focus on increasing knowledge of menopause, its impacts on women and how it can be better managed.
Register here.

At LiverWELL we support women in leading balanced lifestyles that aid in healthy liver function. To find out more about how to keep your liver healthy, visit our Living Well webpage. And to learn more about Women’s Health Week click the button below.

Women's Health Week 2022
LiverLine
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LiverWELL acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government.
We welcome people from all cultures, nationalities and religions. Being inclusive and providing equitable services is our commitment.

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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where we work - the lands of the Woi-Wurrung Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. We express our gratitude to them for their continued care and curation of these lands and waters. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

LiverWELL observes and honours the Kulin Nation's intrinsic connection to land, sky and water, and the creator Bunjil. LiverWELL is committed to being led and informed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders on bridging health outcomes for communities and improving liver health.