What should you know about symptoms of hepatitis b and c in females?

Hepatitis B and C are viral infections that affect the liver. Many people have no noticeable symptoms, so feeling well does not exclude infection. When symptoms occur, tiredness, nausea or discomfort under the ribs may be followed by jaundice, dark urine or pale stools. Menstrual changes are not a reliable way to identify hepatitis, and symptoms overlap with many other conditions.

Arrange a medical review if you have persistent fatigue, dark urine, yellow eyes or skin, or a possible exposure through blood or sexual contact. A clinician can choose blood tests, including tests for viral infection and a liver function test. Avoid sharing razors or toothbrushes, cover open wounds and do not donate blood until assessed.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, marked drowsiness, confusion, bleeding, rapidly worsening jaundice or inability to keep fluids down. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy and may have hepatitis exposure, tell your clinician promptly so appropriate testing and prevention can be arranged.

Ask which hepatitis tests you need, when testing should be repeated after a recent exposure, and whether household or sexual contacts should be assessed. If hepatitis B has not been ruled out, ask whether hepatitis B vaccination is appropriate.