MIND YOUR LIVER. IT NEEDS YOU. ™
Cirrhosis is the result of long-term liver damage where healthy liver cells are replaced by scar tissue. It develops slowly over time, often without symptoms, until the liver’s ability to function is seriously reduced.
We’re talking liver health. Stigmas. Silence.
We’re making space for what’s been hard to say.
About our health, our habits, and the weight we carry.
No one’s lifestyle should be shamed. We’re here to learn, heal, and move forward.
More resources are on the way. We’ll keep you posted.
Cirrhosis happens when the liver has been damaged over time and starts forming scar tissue (fibrosis). This scarring can affect how well the liver works and how blood flows through it.
Cirrhosis is not a disease on its own—it’s the later stage of liver damage caused by conditions like alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver disease (MASLD), hepatitis B or C, and autoimmune liver diseases.
In many people, cirrhosis develops with no early signs. As the damage builds, symptoms can appear and complications may become more likely.
Most people don’t realize they have cirrhosis until years of liver injury have already occurred. Early detection and treatment of the cause is key to slowing or stopping further damage.
This page is educational. It’s not a substitute for medical care. If you’re worried about your liver or have symptoms, talk to your provider. You deserve real answers and support.
Cirrhosis often progresses without obvious symptoms until it’s advanced. By the time signs appear—like jaundice or swelling—significant, often irreversible, liver damage has already occurred.
Cirrhosis is not a disease on its own—it’s the later stage of liver damage caused by conditions like alcohol-related liver disease, fatty liver disease (MASLD), hepatitis B or C, and autoimmune liver diseases.
Cirrhosis increases the chance of developing severe complications like:
Internal bleeding (especially from enlarged veins)
Fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites)
Severe infections
Liver cancer (HCC)
Brain fog or confusion due to toxin buildup (hepatic encephalopathy)
If cirrhosis continues unchecked, the liver can stop working entirely. This stage—known as end-stage liver disease—can be fatal without a liver transplant.
Cirrhosis develops when your liver is under constant stress or injury. The liver tries to repair itself, but repeated damage causes scarring that builds up.
Alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD): Long-term heavy drinking is a major cause.
Fatty liver disease (MASLD): A buildup of fat in the liver from metabolic issues like insulin resistance.
Chronic viral hepatitis (B or C): These infections slowly damage the liver over time.
Autoimmune liver conditions: The immune system attacks liver cells and causes inflammation and damage.
Genetic and inherited diseases: Conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) can lead to cirrhosis if untreated.
The more severe and prolonged the injury, the more likely it is for scar tissue to form and lead to cirrhosis.
Many people don’t know they have cirrhosis until the damage is advanced. Early stages may have no symptoms at all.
Cirrhosis can’t be confirmed just by how you feel. Bloodwork, imaging (like ultrasound or FibroScan), and sometimes a liver biopsy are used to diagnose and assess the severity.
Even mild symptoms matter. If something feels off—especially if you’ve had liver risks—get checked.
Many people don’t know they have cirrhosis until the damage is advanced. Early stages may have no symptoms at all.
As cirrhosis worsens, the liver can’t clean your blood properly. This leads to toxins building up in your body, which can cause confusion, memory problems, and in severe cases, coma (hepatic encephalopathy).
The liver normally stores vitamins, processes nutrients, and helps manage hormones. With cirrhosis, all of these processes are disrupted. This can lead to weight loss, hormone imbalances, and weakened immune function.
Cirrhosis raises pressure in the vein that carries blood through the liver (called portal hypertension). This can lead to:
Enlarged veins (varices) that can rupture and bleed
Fluid buildup in the belly (ascites)
Less blood flow to vital organs
One of the most common causes of cirrhosis is long-term alcohol misuse. If you drink, do it in moderation, or reconsider altogether. Giving your liver regular breaks can prevent years of hidden damage.
Hepatitis, fatty liver, and other silent conditions can lead to cirrhosis if ignored. Regular checkups, routine liver tests, and acting fast on symptoms like fatigue or bloating can make a major difference.
Some over-the-counter medications, supplements, and street drugs can be toxic to the liver in high doses or over time. Only take what’s prescribed, avoid combining substances, and talk to your doctor about liver-safe options.
Obesity, insulin resistance, and chronic gut inflammation all increase liver strain. Support your liver with balanced meals, regular movement, stress management, and limiting ultra-processed foods.
References
Real change is already happening. Join us and stay in the loop!
@LiverAwareness on YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | X | Facebook
Real stories. Expert insights.
No filters. No stigma. Just facts.
Dedicated to empowering young adults with liver health knowledge to break stigmas and combat the silent threats of liver disease.
MIND YOUR LIVER. IT NEEDS YOU. ™
The Liver Awareness Foundation provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns.
All content, messaging, and creative materials belong to The Liver Awareness Foundation. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or adaptation is strictly prohibited.
All content copyright © 2025 The Liver Awareness Foundation. All rights reserved. Charity Registration Number: 719004947RT0001
