Cirrhosis takes years to develop. In the early stages of cirrhosis, many people experience no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses and liver function deteriorates, symptoms may develop. The most common signs and symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Fatigue or exhaustion
• Loss of interest in sex

Evidence of cirrhosis may not develop until a patient experiences complications of the disease. When this happens, signs and symptoms that may be present include:

• Spider-like veins (spider angiomas) that develop under the skin
  
  
• Abdominal pain from an enlarged liver
  
  
• Yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
  
  
• Dark, cola-colored urine
  
  
• Fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites)
  
  
• Swelling of the legs and feet (edema)
  
  
• Vomiting of blood
  
  
• Increased sensitivity to drugs
  
  
• Itching of the hands and feet that spreads to other parts of the body
  
  
• Mental confusion, such as forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating, or brain damage (encephalopathy)
  
  
• Abnormal nerve function (peripheral neuropathy)
  
  
• Enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia)
  
  
• Shrinking (atrophy) of testicles in men
  
  
• Gallstones
  
  
• Excessive or prolonged bleeding
  
  
• Bruising easily
  
  
• Esophageal vein bleeding