Lifestyle

7 Signs of Liver Trouble Most People Blame on Getting Older

By Curtis Jones · October 31, 2026

Feeling worn out by midafternoon, skin that itches for no clear reason, or ankles that swell by the end of the day are easy to put down to age. They can also be signs that the liver is not working as it should.

The liver sits just under the rib cage on the right side of the belly. Mayo Clinic says it helps digest food, rid the body of waste and make clotting factors that keep the blood flowing well. Over time, conditions that damage the liver can lead to scarring called cirrhosis, which can lead to liver failure.

Liver disease is often quiet. Mayo Clinic says it doesn’t always cause symptoms that can be seen or felt, and Cleveland Clinic notes that it doesn’t always cause symptoms in its early stages. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases describes fatty liver disease linked to metabolism, now called MASLD, as a silent disease with few or no symptoms, adding that people who do have symptoms may feel tired or have discomfort in the upper right side of the belly.

These are seven signs listed by Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and the NIDDK.

Constant tiredness. Mayo Clinic lists constant tiredness, and Cleveland Clinic lists fatigue, or feeling extremely tired. The NIDDK says feeling tired or weak can be an early symptom of cirrhosis.

Itchy skin. Mayo Clinic lists itchy skin. Cleveland Clinic describes it as itching with no visible rash, and the NIDDK says the itching can become severe as liver function gets worse.

Bruising easily. Mayo Clinic lists bruising easily. The NIDDK says that as cirrhosis progresses, people may bruise and bleed easily.

Swelling in the legs and ankles. Mayo Clinic lists swelling in the legs and ankles, along with belly pain and swelling. The NIDDK says swelling can appear in the lower legs, ankles or feet, and fluid can also build up in the abdomen.

Dark urine or pale stool. Mayo Clinic lists both, and Cleveland Clinic counts dark urine and light-colored stool among later-stage signs.

Poor appetite and nausea. Mayo Clinic lists nausea or vomiting and loss of appetite. The NIDDK adds losing weight without trying, and Cleveland Clinic lists weight loss and muscle loss.

Yellowing of the skin or eyes. This is jaundice. Mayo Clinic notes that yellowing of the skin may be harder to see on Black or brown skin. Cleveland Clinic describes jaundice as an advanced, later-stage sign.

Mayo Clinic lists risk factors that include ongoing moderate or heavy alcohol use, obesity, type 2 diabetes, contact with chemicals or toxins, and a family history of liver disease. It also says certain prescription or other medicines and certain herbal mixes can cause liver disease. The NIDDK says fatty liver disease is more likely in people with overweight or obesity, insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, and abnormal levels of fats in the blood.

Finding it early matters. Cleveland Clinic says some liver diseases can be treated and even reversed, especially when found early, but once severe scarring develops, the damage is usually permanent. It says doctors use blood tests to check liver function, along with imaging scans such as ultrasound.

Cleveland Clinic advises contacting a provider for yellowing of the skin or eyes, ongoing fatigue or weakness, swelling in the belly or legs, or unexplained weight loss. Mayo Clinic advises making an appointment for any lasting symptoms that worry you and seeking help right away for belly pain so bad that you can’t stay still.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor about any symptoms, and get medical help right away for severe belly pain. This article was produced with the assistance of AI and fact-checked against the sources cited by LightWave Reports.