Gilbert’s syndrome is a common, harmless condition where the bilirubin isn’t properly processed by the liver. The condition is hereditary and people usually don’t know they have it until it is detected by accident, like if a blood test shows abnormally high levels of bilirubin. 1 in 3 people with Gilbert’s do not show any symptoms, but there are usually not many symptoms besides having a yellowish tinge of the skin and whites of the eyes. A yellow color on the whites of the eyes is also a symptom of jaundice, as both Gilbert’s and jaundice are from high amounts of bilirubin or the liver’s inability to process a lot of it. In people with Gilbert’s, bilirubin can increase more with illness, fasting, dehydration, menstruation, strenuous exercise, and stress.
Gilbert’s syndrome is caused by a mutation in a gene responsible for making enzymes that help the liver process bilirubin. Because of this mutation, the liver doesn’t make enough enzymes, causing bilirubin to build up in the bloodstream. Bilirubin itself is a yellow pigment made when red blood cells break down, and the after going through the bloodstream to the liver it is sent into the intestines along with bile, though a small amount remains in the blood. The gene is usually inherited recessively, meaning a person needs to inherit a mutated gene from both parents. While a mutated gene may seem rare, Gilbert’s syndrome is actually common, even more so among males. There are over 200,000 cases per year in the US, and many more people carry the gene for it. Symptoms usually do not present themselves until during or after puberty, when bilirubin is naturally rising. Learning more about Gilbert’s can help people learn if they may have it and understand how it works.
Mayo Clinic. “Gilbert’s Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 1 July 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gilberts-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20372811.
Cleveland Clinic. “Gilbert’s Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, Tests & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 6 Jan. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17661-gilberts-syndrome.