For some women, Yasmin and gallstones have caused health problems that required hospitalization, medications, and in some cases, even surgery. The connection between this oral contraceptive and gallstones is often unclear. Experts believe the hormones contained in Yasmin, while effective for reducing the likelihood of pregnancy, cause a number of unintended side effects, including stones.
For some women, Yasmin and gallstones have caused health problems that required hospitalization, medications, and in some cases, even surgery. The connection between this oral contraceptive and gallstones is often unclear. Experts believe the hormones contained in Yasmin, while effective for reducing the likelihood of pregnancy, cause a number of unintended side effects, including stones.
Estrogen and an artificial progestin called drospirenone are thought to cause two outcomes that affect the gallbladder. First, these two hormones increase cholesterol output from the liver. This cholesterol is secreted into bile fluid, which flows into the gall bladder. Second, they reduce the gallbladder’s contraction activity – both frequency and force. This allows cholesterol-heavy bile fluid to remain within the organ. These factors set the stage for the formation of biliary sludge and stones.
Biliary Sludge Explained
Reduced gall bladder motility allows bile, calcium salts, bilirubin, and excess cholesterol secreted by your liver, to accumulate. These compounds collect and form a thick substance called biliary sludge. The composition of this material can vary depending on the availability of each compound, but the end results are usually the same.
Three circumstances can develop. First, the sludge may resolve on its own, causing few to no symptoms. Second, the material can evolve into gallstones. Third, the sludge may exit the gallbladder when the organ contracts, thereby moving into the cystic and common bile ducts.
This last circumstance can produce side effects similar to those caused by stones. The biliary sludge can form an obstruction in the duct, preventing bile from flowing past. If bile backs up to the gall bladder, it can trigger inflammation within the inner lining of the organ. This is characteristic of Yasmin gallbladder disease.
The sludge may also flow past the juncture where the common bile duct merges with the pancreatic duct. If it forms a blockage in this area, pancreatic secretions will be prevented from flowing into the duodenum. This causes the pancreas to become inflamed, a serious condition known as pancreatitis.
Excess Cholesterol Contributes To Gallstones
Gallstones are comprised of cholesterol, which is nearly insoluble. Once the compound has been secreted by the liver, it is transported to the gallbladder while contained in bile salts.
At normal levels, the cholesterol can be absorbed into the lining of the gall bladder, which prevents it from accumulating and crystallizing into hard particles. When excess levels of the compound are secreted, however, the organ cannot sufficiently absorb all of it. The cholesterol precipitates within the bile salts, partly aided by the lack of proper emptying due to decreased motility. Eventually, gallstones form.
Dangerous Side Effects Of Yasmin And Gallstones
Most stones are asymptomatic, and thus present no noticeable symptoms. However, abdominal pain may erupt quickly if the gall bladder suddenly becomes inflamed. The pain can last for hours, which is sufficient for most people to seek medical attention. During the event, you may also experience chills, nausea, and periodic bouts of vomiting.
The above symptoms are immediate indications of Yasmin gallbladder disease. While they are physically taxing, the condition can cause side effects that are much more serious. For example, inflammation within the lining of the organ can cause bacteria to grow, leading to infection. In severe cases, this might cause a perforation to develop in the gall bladder, an event that is potentially life-threatening.
Infection can also spread throughout the common bile duct if stones migrate into the duct and form a blockage. If antibiotics are unsuccessful in controlling the infection, it will climb toward your liver, potentially causing damage to the organ.
Stones that migrate closer to the sphincter of Oddi can, like biliary sludge, block fluids secreted by the pancreas. As described above, this leads to pancreatitis.
Gallstones and gall bladder problems are among the serious Yasmin side effects that many healthy women have experienced. If you or someone you know has suffered stones or gallbladder disease after using this birth control pill, contact an experienced lawyer. Find out whether you should file a Yasmin lawsuit against the manufacturer.
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Jason Springer is the author of this article on Yaz Lawsuit 2010.
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