Hepatitis C Symptoms in Women

Hepatitis C Symptoms in Women

Hepatitis is an umbrella term that comprises of many sub-types. Of these, hepatitis C is considered as the most chronic and dreadful viral diseases. Studies and research confirm that the infection of hepatitis C, when left untreated can cause severe damage to the liver.

The infection of Hepatitis C typically affects both sexes. They even experience similar symptoms. But, the virus affects women quite differently.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hepatitis C in Women?

Studies and surveys show that most women do not experience any signs or symptoms of hepatitis C until the disease enters an advanced stage. Meanwhile, women who do witness symptoms of this disease while it’s in its initial phase may confuse them with symptoms of other conditions like menopause, depression, etc.

Early signs and symptoms of hepatitis C in women are as follows:

• Experiencing discomfort in the abdominal area
• A constant state of fatigue
• Experiencing pain in the muscles and joint areas
• Loss of appetite
• Clay-colored poop
• Dark urine
• Unexpected fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Certain hepatitis C infections are acute in nature. They clear or improve on their own within a few months without seeking any medical assistance. Such acute infections are more common in women than in men.

On the other hand, the infection of Hepatitis C may also turn fatal if it gets favorable conditions to grow and breed. Meaning, the disease does not get cured on its own. Instead, it progresses and causes severe damage to the liver.

Common signs and symptoms of chronic hepatitis C in women are as follows:

• Itchy skin
• Severe swelling in the legs
• An unexpected loss of weight
• Experiencing a state of confusion
• Retention of fluid in the stomach
• Bruising or bleeding
• Spider veins

While these symptoms are quite similar to those experienced by men as well, the disease, in its totality, progresses at a slower pace in women. Contrary, the infection of hepatitis C grows rapidly in women who’ve hit their menopause.

Most physicians state that experiencing symptoms of hepatitis C does not guarantee that a woman has the condition. It is essential to get all the necessary tests done before concluding.

How do Women Acquire hepatitis C Infection?

A woman may acquire hepatitis C virus:

• By coming in contact with infected blood
• Using unsterilized needles
• Having unprotected sexual intercourse, especially with someone carrying the infection
• Snorting medicines, especially cocaine
• Going through blood transfusion

What are the Means and Ways to Protect oneself from Hepatitis C?

To protect oneself from this fatal disease, it is best to avoid the situations as mentioned above. If your profession demands to be in constant contact with blood, razors or other similar equipment, be cautious and always wear gloves. Sterilize all your equipment before and after their use. If you’re a part of the housekeeping industry, make sure to wear gloves all the time.

Women can also acquire the virus of hepatitis C by having sexual intercourse during a menstrual cycle and with multiple partners.

Furthermore, most women with this infection have given birth to healthy babies. However, there are chances that she may pass on the virus to her unborn child while they’re still in her womb. If in case a woman with hepatitis C does give birth to a baby, it is highly advised to get the newborn tested for the virus as recommended by her physician.

How to Treat Hepatitis C in Women?

At present, no such cures are available with medical science to treat hepatitis C. But, there are certain medications which can help clear the virus and subside its fatal effects.

Some common examples of medications recommended by physicians include sofosbuvir or Epclusa and ledipasvir or sofosbuvir (Harvoni).

Please note, certain types of hepatitis C, especially the ones who have progressed to an advanced stage or the ones that belong to some specific genotype, may or may not respond to these medications and continue to cause damage to the liver.

The liver is one of the most important parts of the body that’s responsible for clearing substances, such as alcoholic toxins, medications a person takes and other such materials. The liver breaks down these materials so that the body conveniently eliminates them with the help of the excretory system.

Therefore, physicians recommend that women who experience the slightest of symptoms of hepatitis C must get themselves tested right away to avoid fatal complications.