It can come as a surprise, especially if you feel you eat well and rarely drink alcohol. Fatty liver simply means that extra fat has built up in the liver. You may also hear it called MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). It was previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD.
It does not mean you have done something wrong.
What does menopause have to do with it?
Oestrogen helps influence where we store fat and how our bodies respond to insulin. During perimenopause, hormone levels can rise and fall. After menopause, oestrogen levels are generally much lower.
Around this time, some women notice more weight around their middle, even though their eating habits have not changed. Fat can also build up deeper in the abdomen without much change on the scales. These changes can make it easier for fat to build up in the liver.
Although hormones play a part, they are only one part of the picture. Genetics, age, sleep, medicines, blood sugar, blood fats, movement and eating patterns may all play a role. Some women develop fatty liver without being overweight.
Would I feel anything?
Often, there are no obvious symptoms. It may be picked up on a scan or in blood tests done for another reason. You might feel tired, but tiredness can have many causes and does not tell us on its own whether your liver is affected.
If fatty liver has been found, it is worth asking your doctor what the results show and whether you need a check for liver scarring. This helps you understand what, if anything, needs closer follow-up.
Where do I begin?
There is no need to rush into a strict diet or a “liver cleanse”. A gentler place to start is to look at the wider picture:
- Food: Aim for regular, satisfying meals with plenty of variety, enough protein and foods you enjoy and tolerate. Olive oil, nuts, whole grains, vegetables and oily fish can all have a place.
- Movement: Walking and strength exercises can support your health, even when the number on the scales stays the same. Start with what feels manageable for you.
- Sleep and stress: If night sweats or poor sleep are leaving you exhausted, they deserve attention too.
- Your results: Ask about your blood sugar, blood fats, blood pressure and liver tests, so you know which areas matter most for you.
- Medicines and supplements: Let your practitioner know what you take, including herbal products, before trying anything marketed as a liver “detox”. Although there may be fantastic herbal remedies out there, some may be too harsh or even add to the overall problem.
Questions you could ask your doctor in preparation for our consultation
- What did my scan or blood tests actually show?
- Do I need a check for liver scarring?
- Is there anything else that could be contributing?
- Are my blood sugar, blood fats and blood pressure within a healthy range?
A fatty liver finding can feel worrying, but it is something you can learn more about and follow up step by step. Changes during the menopause years may be part of the picture, and you deserve advice that takes your whole health into account.
Would you like more individual support?
I offer a comprehensive, individualised programme shaped around your needs and circumstances. We can explore food, lifestyle, supplements and herbs, and I can recommend testing when appropriate. Email lisa@evolvefemalewellness.com to enquire about working together.