Orange Poop: When to Worry & What It Means for Women Over 65

Orange Poop: When to Worry & What It Means for Women Over 65

Seeing poop orange can be surprising and even a little unsettling—especially later in life. For women over 65, changes in stool color deserve thoughtful attention, but they are not always a sign of something serious. In many cases, orange stool is linked to diet or medications. In other situations, it can point to digestion or bile flow issues that should be checked by a doctor.

This guide explains what orange stool can mean, when it's likely harmless, and when it's important to take action—using clear, common language and trusted medical understanding.

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What Does Orange Poop Mean?

Normal stool is usually brown because of bile, a digestive fluid made by the liver and released by the gallbladder. Bile starts out yellow-green and turns brown as it moves through the intestines.

Poop orange usually means one of two things is happening:

• There is extra orange pigment from food or medication.
• Bile is not being processed normally in the digestive system.

For women over 65, both of these possibilities are common and often manageable.

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Common, Harmless Causes of Orange Stool

In many cases, orange stool has a simple explanation and resolves on its own.

1. Diet High in Orange or Yellow Foods

Foods rich in natural or artificial pigments can change stool color, especially if eaten often.

Common examples include:

• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin or squash
• Mangoes
• Papaya
• Foods with orange food coloring (snacks, drinks, desserts)

These foods are high in beta-carotene, a natural pigment that can tint stool orange. This is harmless and usually temporary.

2. Vitamins and Supplements

Some supplements can affect stool color, including:

• Multivitamins
• Vitamin A
• Turmeric
• Iron (more often dark, but can vary)

As digestion slows with age, these pigments may be less fully broken down.

3. Certain Medications

Several medications can cause poop orange, including:

• Antacids that contain aluminum
• Some antibiotics
• Cholesterol-lowering medications that bind bile
• Anti-inflammatory medications

If the color change began after starting a new medication, this is an important clue.

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Digestive and Medical Causes to Know About

When orange stool is persistent, unexplained, or paired with other symptoms, it may signal a health issue.

1. Bile Flow Problems

Bile is essential for digestion. If it doesn't reach the intestines properly, stool may appear pale, yellow, or orange.

Possible reasons include:

• Gallbladder disease (such as gallstones)
• Liver conditions
• Bile duct blockage

Women over 65 are at higher risk for gallbladder problems, especially if they have a history of rapid weight loss or hormone changes.

2. Liver Conditions

The liver plays a key role in stool color. Conditions that affect bile production or processing may cause orange or light-colored stool, including:

• Fatty liver disease
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis

These conditions often develop slowly and may not cause pain at first.

3. Pancreatic or Absorption Issues

If the body has trouble digesting fats, stool can change color and texture.

Signs may include:

• Orange or pale stool
• Greasy or floating stool
• Unintended weight loss

This can be related to pancreatic enzyme problems or malabsorption conditions.

4. Gut Conditions

Digestive disorders that affect how food moves through the intestines can also change stool color:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Celiac disease
• Chronic diarrhea from infections

Faster movement through the gut means bile has less time to turn brown.

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Why Stool Color Changes Matter More After 65

As we age, the digestive system changes:

• Digestion may slow
• The liver and gallbladder may be less efficient
• Medication use often increases
• Chronic conditions become more common

Because of this, poop orange that lasts more than a short time deserves closer attention in women over 65—even if there is no pain.

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When to Worry About Orange Stool

Orange stool is more concerning if it happens often or comes with other symptoms.

Speak to a doctor promptly if you notice:

• Orange stool lasting more than 1–2 weeks
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Dark urine with light or orange stool
• Ongoing abdominal pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fever or signs of infection
• Changes in appetite

These can signal liver, gallbladder, or pancreatic conditions that should not be ignored.

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What You Can Do Right Now

If you notice poop orange, consider these steps:

• Review your diet from the past few days
• Check medications and supplements
• Notice other symptoms, even mild ones
• Track how long the color change lasts

You may also find it helpful to use Ubie's free AI-powered change in stool color symptom checker to get personalized insights about possible causes and guidance on whether you should seek medical care.

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How Doctors Evaluate Orange Stool

If you speak to a doctor, they may:

• Review your diet and medications
• Ask about digestion, pain, or weight changes
• Order blood tests to check liver function
• Recommend imaging of the gallbladder or liver
• Test stool for fat or infection

These evaluations help rule out serious conditions while avoiding unnecessary worry.

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Can Orange Stool Be Prevented?

Sometimes, yes.

Helpful tips include:

• Eating a balanced diet with varied colors
• Drinking enough water
• Taking medications exactly as prescribed
• Letting your doctor know about any supplements you use
• Getting regular checkups, especially if you have liver or digestive conditions

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The Bottom Line for Women Over 65

Seeing poop orange can be harmless, especially when linked to food or medications. However, because digestion and bile flow can change with age, persistent or unexplained orange stool should not be brushed off.

There is no need to panic—but there is good reason to pay attention.

If the color change lasts, comes back often, or is paired with other symptoms, speak to a doctor. This is especially important for anything that could be serious or life-threatening, such as liver or gallbladder disease.

Listening to your body and acting early can make a real difference in long-term health.