• Question: What causes Gall Stones?

    Asked by samsam to Amy, Andy, Ollie on 23 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Ollie Russell

      Ollie Russell answered on 22 Jun 2011:

      Hi Samsam,

      gall stones are caused when you make too much bile and this causes it to precipitate in the gallbladder. This is when the solid stuff in them comes out of solution and forms little pebble shaped objects.

      I think alot of the time it can be caused by hormonal changes such as during pregnancy. Being overweight can also increase the risk.

    • Photo: Amy Reeve

      Amy Reeve answered on 22 Jun 2011:

      Hi Sam

      Gall stones can also be made out of cholesterol. i think these are slightly more common than the type Ollie mentioned. Whats interesting is that the cholesterol that forms these gall stones is not the same as the type in your blood.

      they are more common in woment over 40 🙂 Thanks for your question

    • Photo: Andy MacLeod

      Andy MacLeod answered on 23 Jun 2011:

      There are treatments for gallstones that try to break them down using drugs or radiation, but the most effective treatment is still surgery.

      Probably best to avoid them if possible. All the usual stuff that everyone keeps telling you to do – eat well, excercise regularly.

      And don’t be a woman. Oestrogen can increase cholesterol levels in brine. Older women are about twice as likely to develop gallstones than men of the same age. 😯

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