If you are a young woman who uses or has used Yaz for birth control, and developed gallbladder disease, this medication could have caused your problems. Along with blood clots, heart attacks and strokes, Yaz side effects may also include gallbladder problems.
Gallbladder disease occurs when bile stored in the gallbladder hardens into pieces of stone-like material. As gallstones move into the bile ducts and create blockage, pressure increases in the gallbladder. Symptoms of gallbladder disease include pain in upper right abdomen, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating.
Women are already more susceptible to gallbladder disease because of its relationship to increased estrogen levels. Yaz and other similar prescription birth control pills increase the level of estrogen in the body, which causes a boost to the cholesterol level, which affects the function of the gallbladder.
Removing the gallbladder is really the only way to deal with this painful problem. Even after removal, gallbladder surgery patients usually follow a careful diet that includes avoiding foods that are hard on the biliary system and harmful fats. Long-term side effects of gallbladder surgery can include bloating, gas, heartburn, constipation or diarrhea. A handful of patients also develop a condition called postcholecystectomy syndrome, which can cause long-term digestive problems.
