The American Academy of Family Physicians explains that jaundice refers to a symptom caused by a variety of disorders typically impacting the liver. Jaundice appears as a yellow color in the skin, eyes or mucus membranes. The yellow coloring seen in jaundice is from bilirubin, which is a byproduct of disposed red blood cells. In women, jaundice is often a complication from hormone changes such as those occurring in pregnancy or with use of contraceptives. Women are also more susceptible to developing gallstones and an autoimmune disease called primary biliary cirrhosis. In the event of the appearance of jaundice, medical consultation is suggested to diagnose exact cause and begin treatment.
Hormones and Pregnancy
The Mayo Clinic notes that a condition referred to as cholestasis of pregnancy can occur in the later months. The condition is due to blockage of bile, a digestive fluid, from normal flow to the liver and the gall bladder. Development of cholestasis causes intense itching, discolored urine and jaundice of the eyes or skin. The fluctuations in hormones present during pregnancy cause this condition by preventing bile from storing as it normally would in the gall bladder. Lack of bile storage in the gall bladder inadvertently increases the level of bile acids in the liver, which then spills into the bloodstream. Use of oral contraceptives also impact hormones and bile production. The British Medical Journal indicates that jaundice induced by oral contraceptives may also accompany symptoms of malaise and nausea.
Gallstones
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, women are twice as likely as men to develop gallstones. Gallstones are small pebbles that form when the liquid or bile in the gallbladder hardens due to increased cholesterol. Estrogen, the primary hormone in women, increases cholesterol levels in bile while simultaneously decreasing movement of the gallbladder, resulting in gallstones. Jaundice is considered a severe symptom of this condition, requiring immediate medical intervention. In addition to jaundice, symptoms of gallstones also include clay-colored stool, intense pain and fever with chills.
Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
The autoimmune condition referred to as primary biliary cirrhosis is a condition predominantly found in women, the Mayo Clinic says. This condition is a disease of the bile ducts in which the ducts are slowly destroyed, causing toxins to accumulate in the liver. The exact cause of primary biliary cirrhosis is unknown, but the condition does run in families and may result from bacterial or parasitic infection. Women with this condition often have recurring urinary tract infections. Later-stage destruction from this condition results in jaundice as well as swelling of the feet and abdomen. No cure exists for this condition. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing progression.
