When an imbalance of bile components become present in the body, gallstones develop. If the imbalance is Cholesterol based, cholesterol gallstones tend to form and if there is an increase in bilirubin as well as reduced levels of bile salts, Bilirubin gallstones will form.
Individuals who suffer from Liver Cirrhosis, biliary tract infections as well as genetic blood disorders will find Pigment gallstones present in their body.
Other reasons that can trigger the formation of gallstones are:
- Cholesterol-reducing drugs which lowers the cholesterol levels in the blood but can lead to increased secretion of cholesterol in the bile
- Diabetes
- Excess oestrogen levels
- Fasting
- Gender – Women aged between 20 and 60 years are more likely to have gallstones than men
Increasing age (>60 years old)
- Obesity that can lead to high levels of cholesterol in the bile
Rapid weight loss
The mere presence of gallstones is also believed to initiate the formation of more gallstones.