Discussion: Why do women, on average, have an increased tendency compared to men to develop gallstones?

Fluctuations in female sex hormone levels and an unhealthy diet are significant factors in gallstone formation. The leading causes of hormonal fluctuations are births, birth control pills, and a woman's menopause. Gallstones and obstruction of the bile ducts have an acute inflammatory effect that affects the entire immune system, including plaque formation in the walls of blood vessels.