What should you know about hepatitis B symptoms in women?

Hepatitis B does not have a separate symptom pattern that reliably identifies women. Possible symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, aching joints, low energy, discomfort under the right ribs, dark urine, pale stools, and jaundice. Many people have no noticeable symptoms. [Fatigue](/symptoms/fatigue/) can have many causes, and symptoms cannot confirm hepatitis B.

Pregnancy is a special reason to discuss testing: a pregnant person may feel well while still needing a plan to reduce the chance of passing infection to the baby. Read more about [Hepatitis B](/conditions/hepatitis-b/).

Arrange testing after a possible exposure, before pregnancy when appropriate, or during pregnancy if advised. Share your vaccination history and any previous hepatitis results. Ask how results will affect antenatal care and newborn prevention. Until your status is clear, avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes and use barriers during sex. Partners and household members can ask about [Hepatitis B Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/hepatitis-b-vaccination/). A [Liver Function Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/liver-function-test/) may assess inflammation but cannot identify hepatitis B by itself.

Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant and may have been exposed, or if you develop jaundice, persistent [Dark Urine](/symptoms/dark-urine/), or marked weakness. Seek urgent care for confusion, repeated vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or unusual bleeding. These warning signs need assessment regardless of whether hepatitis B is confirmed.

Ask which hepatitis tests you need, whether your partner or household contacts need testing, what pregnancy or newborn steps apply, whether liver tests are needed, and when follow-up results should be reviewed.