How does liver disease affect the body?

The liver has many functions, so liver disease can affect the body in many ways. Some effects include jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, which caused by high levels of bile pigment. Liver disease may cause people to itch, have high blood pressure, have a decreased number of red or white blood cells, and have reduced brain function. Liver disease may also cause hormonal changes in men and women. Additionally, people with liver disease may have little appetite and undergo weight loss.