Growing our knowledge of women’s health

This week, 4 – 8 September, is Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week 2023. A week dedicated to raising awareness and sharing vital information on women’s health. This year’s theme is ‘Grow your knowledge’, and It’s all about supporting women to make informed decisions about their health with resources and information that is easy to understand.

For Women’s Health Week 2023, we wanted to raise awareness of liver health in women.

Women are, unfortunately, ten times more likely than men to develop primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), a chronic disease in which the bile ducts in your liver are slowly destroyed, and four times as likely to have autoimmune hepatitis. Because of this, getting regular checkups from your GP is important 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 seek treatments earlier and get the support they need. The hepatitis B virus affects men and women similarly. However, increased maternal and perinatal death is associated with hepatitis B contraction during pregnancy. Placenta abruption, preterm birth, gestational hypertension, and fetal growth restriction have been related to chronic and untreated hepatitis B during pregnancy. It is important that pregnant mothers frequently check in with their prenatal care doctor to limit risk.

Jean Hailes has developed a myriad of content to support women this Women’s Health Week – from free podcasts and stories to recipes and fact sheets – there’s something for every woman. Visit the Jean Hailes website for new information and resources on a range of essential health topics.

At LiverWELL, we support women in leading balanced lifestyles that aid in healthy liver function.

To find out more, click below!