Final answer:
Cholesterol gallstones can develop in pregnancy and in women taking oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) due to hormonal changes and increased levels of estrogen in the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cholesterol gallstones can develop in pregnancy and in women taking oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) due to hormonal changes and increased levels of estrogen in the body.
During pregnancy, estrogen levels in the body rise significantly. This hormone can lead to an increase in cholesterol secretion by the liver and a decrease in bile flow. As a result, cholesterol may precipitate and form gallstones in the gallbladder.
Similarly, OCPs contain synthetic forms of estrogen and progesterone, which can also disrupt the normal balance of hormones in the body. This hormonal imbalance may promote the formation of cholesterol gallstones.