What causes gallstones?
Gallstones are formed when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up your bile.
The two main types of stones are cholesterol stones and pigment stones. These form because cholesterol and pigments in bile are able to form into hard particles. Cholesterol stones may form when there is too much cholesterol in your bile or as a result of the inability of your gallbladder to empty properly. Pigment stones are more common in people with certain medical conditions such as cirrhosis or blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia.
Gallstones are formed when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up your bile.
The two main types of stones are cholesterol stones and pigment stones. These form because cholesterol and pigments in bile are able to form into hard particles. Cholesterol stones may form when there is too much cholesterol in your bile or as a result of the inability of your gallbladder to empty properly. Pigment stones are more common in people with certain medical conditions such as cirrhosis or blood diseases such as sickle cell anemia.
Factors affecting the occurrence of gallstones are genetics, increases levels of estrogen, ethnicity, gender, age, diet, rapid weight loss, body weight and decreased movement of the gallbladder.