LIVER HEALTH AND HORMONES

THE LIVER’S ROLE IN HOW YOU THINK AND FEEL.

THE LIVER’S ROLE IN HORMONES, MOOD, AND METABOLISM

The liver is one of the body’s most important organs. It processes nutrients, medications and hormones; produces bile to help the body absorb fats, cholesterol and certain vitamins; removes bacteria and toxins from the blood; and produces proteins needed for blood clotting.

The liver also contributes to blood sugar regulation. It stores glucose in the form of glycogen and releases glucose when blood sugar levels are low. This helps keep the body supplied with energy between meals.

LIVER HEALTH AND HORMONES

The liver processes hormones, but symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, brain fog, disrupted sleep or abdominal weight gain do not necessarily indicate impaired liver function.

During perimenopause and menopause, changing hormone levels may contribute to mood changes, sleep problems, brain fog and increased fat storage around the midsection. These symptoms may also be influenced by stress, aging, genetics, activity levels, medications and other health conditions.

LIVER HEALTH AND METABOLISM

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver. It is commonly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

MASLD may have few or no noticeable symptoms. Midsection weight gain, bloating, tiredness or skin changes alone cannot confirm that someone has fatty liver disease. Diagnosis may involve medical history, blood tests, imaging or other evaluation by a healthcare professional.

DOES THE LIVER NEED TO BE DETOXED?

The liver naturally processes and removes substances the body does not need. Mayo Clinic does not recommend commercial liver cleanses or detox supplements as a way to improve liver health.

Some supplements marketed for liver detoxification have not been proven effective, and some may cause liver damage or interact with medications. Vitamins, herbs and other supplements should be discussed with a healthcare professional, particularly when someone has a liver condition or takes prescription medication.

FOODS AND HABITS THAT SUPPORT LIVER HEALTH

For people with MASLD, Mayo Clinic recommends a Mediterranean-style eating pattern. This approach emphasizes:

• Vegetables and fruits

• Whole grains

• Beans, peas and lentils

• Fish and other lean proteins

• Nuts and seeds

• Olive oil and other unsaturated fats

Mayo Clinic also recommends limiting sugary drinks, simple sugars, oversized portions and alcohol. Regular physical activity and gradual, sustainable weight loss may reduce liver fat and inflammation in people who are overweight or have obesity.

SLEEP AND THE LIVER

Waking between 1 and 3 a.m. is not recognized by Mayo Clinic as evidence that the liver is overloaded or performing an overnight detoxification cycle.

Waking during the night is a common form of insomnia. Possible contributing factors include stress, anxiety, depression, pain, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, medications, caffeine, alcohol, menopause-related symptoms and inconsistent sleep habits.

Helpful sleep practices include maintaining a regular sleep schedule, keeping the bedroom cool and dark, reducing evening screen exposure, limiting caffeine and alcohol, exercising regularly and using a calming bedtime routine.

WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL GUIDANCE

Liver disease does not always produce noticeable symptoms during its early stages. A healthcare professional may recommend liver function tests when symptoms, medical history or metabolic risk factors suggest that evaluation is appropriate.

Symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, persistent upper-right abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, dark urine, pale stool, unusual bruising, confusion or persistent unexplained fatigue should receive medical attention.

MAYO CLINIC SOURCES

[Liver function and liver disease](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/liver-problems/symptoms-causes/syc-20374502)

[Fatty liver disease and the Mediterranean diet](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fatty-liver-disease-masld/in-depth/fatty-liver-disease-masld-diet/art-20588469)

[Liver cleanses, vitamins and supplements](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fatty-liver-disease-masld/in-depth/vitamins-and-supplements-for-fatty-liver-disease-masld/art-20587290)

[Menopause symptoms](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397)

[Waking during the night and insomnia](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/expert-answers/insomnia/faq-20057824)

This information is educational and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.