Gallstones are a common condition in the UK, affecting an estimated 10–15% of adults, according to NHS and NICE data. Despite this, many people are unaware they have them, as symptoms don’t always appear straight away. When they do, they can be sudden, uncomfortable, and sometimes confusing, particularly if you’re also feeling unusually tired or dizzy.
While abdominal pain is the most recognised symptom, gallstones can affect the body in more subtle ways. Understanding these effects can help explain why you may not feel quite like yourself.
What are gallstones, and why do they form?
The gallbladder is a small organ located just beneath the liver. Its role is to store bile, a digestive fluid that helps break down fats. When you eat, bile is released into the small intestine to support digestion.
Gallstones form when the balance of substances in bile is disrupted. In most cases, this condition happens when there is too much cholesterol in the bile. Research shows that cholesterol stones account for around 70–80% of all gallstones. Less commonly, stones can form from bilirubin, a substance produced during the breakdown of red blood cells.
These stones can remain unnoticed for years. However, if one blocks a bile duct, it can interfere with digestion and trigger symptoms.
Recognising the symptoms
The most common symptom of gallstones is a sudden, intense pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, known as biliary colic. This pain can last from several minutes to a few hours and may spread to the back or right shoulder. It often occurs after eating, particularly following fatty meals.
Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of bloating. While these symptoms can be intermittent, they may become more frequent over time.
In some cases, gallstones can lead Can Gallstones Make You Tired and Dizzy? Signs, Symptoms, and When to Get Checked to complications such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or infection of the bile ducts. This may cause fever, jaundice, and changes in urine or stool colour.
Why gallstones can leave you feeling tired
Fatigue is not typically listed as a primary symptom of gallstones, but it is something many patients experience. This is usually due to the indirect effects gallstones have on the body.
One of the main contributors is disrupted sleep. Gallbladder pain can occur suddenly and may wake you during the night. Over time, poor-quality sleep can significantly impact energy levels and overall wellbeing.
Digestion also plays a key role. Bile is essential for absorbing fats and fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K. When bile flow is reduced or blocked, the body may struggle to absorb these nutrients efficiently. Impaired bile function can contribute to nutritional deficiencies, which may affect energy production and lead to ongoing fatigue. In addition, nausea and discomfort after eating can reduce appetite. If your food intake drops or becomes irregular, it can further contribute to low energy levels.
Can gallstones cause dizziness?
Dizziness is less commonly associated with gallstones, but it can still occur in certain situations. Like fatigue, it is usually linked to secondary effects rather than the stones themselves.
For example, ongoing nausea may lead to reduced fluid intake, increasing the risk of mild dehydration. This can cause light-headedness or a feeling of unsteadiness. Similarly, if you are eating less due to symptoms, your blood sugar levels may fluctuate, which can also make you feel dizzy.
Pain itself can sometimes trigger a faint or dizzy sensation, particularly during more intense gallbladder attacks. In more serious cases, such as when infection develops, the body’s response to illness can lead to weakness and dizziness.
When to seek medical advice
If you’re experiencing recurring abdominal pain, especially after meals, it’s important to speak with your GP. Early assessment can help confirm whether gallstones or any other gallbladder issues are the cause and prevent complications.
You should seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms such as fever, jaundice, or severe and persistent abdominal pain. These may indicate a blockage or infection that requires prompt treatment.
Diagnosis and treatment options
Gallstones are usually diagnosed using an ultrasound scan, which is the standard first-line investigation in the UK. Blood tests may also be used to check for signs of inflammation or bile duct obstruction.
If gallstones are not causing symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. However, for those with ongoing or severe symptoms, gallbladder removal surgery (laparoscopic cholecystectomy) is often recommended.
A laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the most common procedure and is widely performed across the UK. It is considered safe and effective, with low complication rates and high success in relieving symptoms. Most patients recover within a few weeks and can return to normal activities relatively quickly.
Getting the right support
Living with gallstone symptoms can be frustrating, particularly when they begin to affect your energy levels and overall quality of life. The good news is that you don’t have to continue putting up with symptoms or wait for them to worsen before seeking help.
At Phoenix Health, we provide access to specialist assessment and treatment for gallstone and gallbladder-related conditions, including private gallstone removal and gallbladder removal surgery. Our experienced consultants offer clear, personalised advice to help you understand your options and find the most effective path to relief.
If you’ve been experiencing ongoing symptoms or are unsure whether gallstones could be the cause, fill out our enquiry form to request a free call back, it could be an important step towards feeling better.
References:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3809189/
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00423-024-03479-6
Medically Reviewed by Lujain Alhassan, BSc, ANutr
Registered Associate Nutritionist and Bariatric Nutrition
