Gilbert Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Gilbert Syndrome?
A primary care doctor usually checks yellow skin or eyes first. A gastroenterologist (a doctor who treats the digestive system and liver) or a hepatologist (a doctor who treats liver disease) can help if the cause is unclear. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is Gilbert syndrome?
Gilbert syndrome is a common disorder passed down through families. It affects the way bilirubin is processed by the liver. Bilirubin is a yellow-orange substance made when red blood cells break down.
The liver normally changes bilirubin into a form the body can remove. In Gilbert syndrome, this step is slower. Bilirubin then builds up in the blood from time to time. The condition is relatively mild. It is usually recognized in the teen years.
Symptoms
About 30 percent of people with Gilbert syndrome have no signs or symptoms. Their condition is often found only when a routine blood test shows high bilirubin.
Some people have mild jaundice. Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. Some people also feel tired or have abdominal discomfort, which means belly pain or unease.
Jaundice most often appears during times of stress, dehydration, fasting, illness, vigorous exercise, or menstruation. Jaundice may come and go throughout life. It is more likely to appear during illnesses such as colds.
Causes and who gets it
Gilbert syndrome is caused by changes in the UGT1A1 gene. This gene gives instructions for an enzyme, a protein that helps a chemical reaction happen. The enzyme is found mainly in liver cells. It is needed to remove bilirubin from the body.
The condition is common. It is estimated to affect 3 to 7 percent of Americans.
When the change is UGT1A1*28, the most common change in many populations, it is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means a child needs a changed copy of the gene from each parent. The parents usually have no symptoms. Some people with the gene change never develop high bilirubin, so other factors may also play a role.
A more severe condition, Crigler-Najjar syndrome, occurs when both copies of the UGT1A1 gene have mutations.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors use a blood test to measure bilirubin. In Gilbert syndrome, most of the bilirubin is the unconjugated form. This is the form the liver has not yet processed. Total bilirubin is most often less than 2 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter, the unit used on the test report).
A genetic test is not needed to diagnose Gilbert syndrome.
Treatment
No treatment is necessary for Gilbert syndrome. The condition does not cause health problems.
Because it is mild, there are no known complications from Gilbert syndrome.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if you have jaundice or pain in the abdomen that does not go away. Yellowing of the skin or eyes is a reason to get checked.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can order the bilirubin blood test, follow jaundice over time, and refer you to a hepatologist or gastroenterologist if another cause is possible.
Common questions
Is Gilbert Syndrome dangerous?
No, Gilbert syndrome is not dangerous. It is a relatively mild condition and does not cause health problems.
Can Gilbert Syndrome be prevented?
No, there is no proven prevention. It is caused by a genetic change that is passed down through families.
Why does my skin turn yellow sometimes?
Yes, the skin can turn yellow at times. This happens when bilirubin levels rise, usually during stress, dehydration, fasting, illness, vigorous exercise, or menstruation.
Does Gilbert Syndrome need treatment?
No treatment is necessary for Gilbert syndrome. There are no known complications from it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus Genetics - Gilbert syndrome
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - Gilbert syndrome
- NIH Genetics Home Reference - Gilbert syndrome
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
