Health condition
Gilbert syndrome
Gilbert syndrome is a common, harmless inherited variation in bilirubin processing that causes intermittent mild jaundice - important mainly because it should not be mistaken for liver disease.
Why trust this guide
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Editorial team
Written by our editorial team from the UK sources listed on each page.
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Sourced from guidance
Checked against current NHS and UK specialist society guidance at the time of review.
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Current for 2026
Reviewed on 2026-09-27 with the next review scheduled for 2027-09-27.
Key facts
The essentials at a glance.
Which gene and test confirm it, who should be tested in the family, and which specialist to see.
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Caused by a common variant in the UGT1A1 gene reducing bilirubin conjugation
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Affects roughly 1 in 20 people; bilirubin rises with fasting, illness, dehydration or stress
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Diagnosis: isolated raised unconjugated bilirubin with completely normal liver enzymes and blood count
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Needs no treatment - but the label prevents years of unnecessary investigations
Understanding the condition
What it is and what happens next.
What causes it, how it is confirmed, and the testing and specialist routes available in the UK.
What it is and how it presents
People with Gilbert syndrome process bilirubin, the yellow pigment from red-cell turnover, a little more slowly than average. The only consequence is that bilirubin drifts up when the system is stressed, after a skipped meal, a viral illness or a hard week, occasionally enough to tinge the eyes yellow. Liver function is otherwise entirely normal and the condition carries no long-term risk.
Testing, surveillance and specialist care
The diagnosis is usually made on blood tests alone: an isolated unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia with normal enzymes and no haemolysis; UGT1A1 genotyping can confirm it where doubt remains, and a hepatologist can quickly close the loop when results have caused anxiety. One practical note: Gilbert status can affect how some drugs, such as irinotecan and atazanavir, are handled. NHS clinical genetics services carry some of the longest waits in the health service, often many months for a first appointment, whereas private genetic testing and a specialist review can typically be arranged within around two weeks.
Seeing a specialist
Who to see, and how quickly you can be seen.
The specialist for this condition is usually a hepatologist. Your GP can refer you on the NHS, or you can arrange a private consultation directly.
A quiet reminder
This guide is for information, not medical advice.
Your GP knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If in doubt, see them - and seek urgent care for any emergency symptoms.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Gilbert syndrome.
Quick, plain-English answers to what people ask us most.
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Can you explain what gilbert syndrome is?
Gilbert syndrome refers to a recognised clinical condition that a GP or specialist assesses using your history, examination and, if appropriate, targeted investigations. The way it presents and its impact can vary considerably from person to person.
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What causes gilbert syndrome?
Gilbert syndrome can arise from several different underlying mechanisms, and in many cases more than one factor contributes. Identifying likely causes usually forms part of the initial specialist work-up.
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What does gilbert syndrome look like?
Symptoms of gilbert syndrome vary from person to person and can range from mild and easily missed to significant enough to affect daily life. Because overlapping conditions can produce similar symptoms, a clinical assessment is the most reliable way to confirm what's actually going on.
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Can gilbert syndrome cause complications?
Most cases of gilbert syndrome are manageable with appropriate care, though, like many conditions, it can occasionally lead to complications if left unassessed or untreated. Your clinician can give you a realistic sense of the risks based on your specific presentation.
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Is gilbert syndrome hereditary or genetic?
Many forms of gilbert syndrome have a genetic or inherited component, and some are linked to specific gene changes that can run in families. If there's a family history, genetic counselling can help clarify the pattern of inheritance and whether relatives might benefit from testing.
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Is there a cure for gilbert syndrome?
Gilbert syndrome can often be managed effectively, and in some cases prevented or reversed, with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication or other targeted treatment. A specialist will tailor the approach to your circumstances rather than applying a one-size-fits-all plan.
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How is gilbert syndrome treated?
Treatment for gilbert syndrome is usually built around the severity of your symptoms and any underlying cause found on assessment, and may involve lifestyle measures, medication, physiotherapy or, in some cases, a procedure. Your specialist will discuss the pros and cons of each option with you before agreeing a plan.
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What's the outlook for gilbert syndrome?
The outlook for gilbert syndrome varies widely depending on the underlying cause, how early it's diagnosed, and how it responds to treatment. Many people see significant improvement with appropriate care, and your specialist can give you a more personalised timeframe once they've reviewed your case.
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Could gilbert syndrome be confused with another condition?
Because several conditions can share similar symptoms to gilbert syndrome, clinicians often consider a short list of possibilities before confirming a diagnosis. This is one of the main reasons a proper assessment, and sometimes targeted tests, matters more than relying on symptoms alone.
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When should I see a doctor about gilbert syndrome, and how quickly can I be seen privately?
It's worth seeking medical advice if symptoms of gilbert syndrome are persistent, worsening, or affecting your daily life, rather than waiting for them to resolve on their own. NHS routine referrals for this kind of assessment can take anywhere from around 20 to 45+ weeks, whereas private consultants typically offer an appointment within about two weeks.