liver enzymes going up and down

[Patdoyle]

I had a routine blood test 18 months ago which showed elevated GGT at 126. My GP told me to cut down on alcohol and I stopped having any alcohol at home and just had an occasional drink if I went out socially. I’ve never been a big drinker anyway. Fast forward to last September when I had another blood test which showed GGT at 76. I was referred for an ultrasound to see if I had a fatty liver but the scan was normal. I had 2 further blood tests and the GGT was down to 56 in December last. The only alcohol I have had since then was 2 glasses of champagne on Xmas day.

Just had another liver function test and the GGT is back up to 88. I am so disappointed because I have been following a Mediterranean diet and I walk 3 miles most days and I weigh 7st 12. Can anyone give me any advice please. The GP doesn’t seem concerned. I don’t have any symptoms by the way.

[sophiaS1980]

Only you know your alcohol intake, however, if my GGT showed higher than normal ,which i don't know the range of your test, i wouldn't be drinking ANY alcohol, also there are other things that raises your GGT but this test is sensitive to alcohol.

[Patdoyle in reply to sophiaS1980]

Thankyou for replying. I’m puzzled because apart from Xmas day I haven’t drunk any alcohol since the liver function test showed the GGT was above the normal level of 40. It was going down slowly until this last test when it’s gone up from 56 to 88 in just over a month. I don’t know what else to do to try and get it down to below 40. I’m on statins so don’t know if they affect the liver. Once I had the ultrasound my GP doesn’t seem concerned. I am though because something is not agreeing with my liver and I’d like to find out what it is.

[AyrshireK in reply to Patdoyle]

Statins can cause elevations in liver numbers and they should regularly monitor your liver bloods whilst on them.

nhs.uk/conditions/statins/c....

[Grassroots112]

Are you on any medication at all as that could maybe elevate your levels, or maybe it’s something in your diet that isn’t quite getting along with your liver? My own GGT levels were over 1800 at one point and that was strictly down to my alcoholism, and my doctor did say that is the main cause for it to be elevated, but also that other factors can cause levels to rise too like medication, diet and even lack of exercise, hopefully it returns back to normal for you for good or whatever is causing it to rise isn’t anything serious and you can get to the bottom of it, good luck.

[Patdoyle in reply to Grassroots112]

I’m on blood pressure meds and propranolol which is a beta blocker and a statin. Did your ggt levels come back to normal when you stopped drinking alcohol? I have always exercised and walk everywhere if I can. I always thought I was living a fairly healthy lifestyle. You never know what’s going on in your body though do you.

[Grassroots112 in reply to Patdoyle]

As far as I’m aware they are now back to normal, but it took about 9 months of abstinence, healthy eating and regular exercise, but you’re right you just never know with your body and it’s always wise to be proactive with these things in finding out what is going on exactly.

Even though a slight elevation here and there with certain enzymes and bloods often means nothing as no one body is ever 100% even if you’re a super healthy athlete, it’s good to learn what does what, what so and so can mean or not mean. But it’s also wise not to stress out too much and get too hung up on things because again these things often mean nothing.

Obviously speak to a qualified medical expert and follow any advice, instructions and medicine they may provide you with whenever a health concern arises is always the best route to take.

I would seek clarification regarding your own medication and what it all means or could mean in relation to your raised GGT levels with your doctor. Again, hopefully it will be nothing.

You could be as healthy and as fit as one can possibly be and still have raised levels of some sorts regarding your bloods, enzymes, functions etc.