Serum gamma GT level

[VSHchocolate]

Hi I have recently had various blood tests via my GP ( not thyroid related) . I am a bit puzzled by one of my liver function tests. I don’t drink alcohol and never have, prior to taking NDT which is now replaced with 100mcg Levothyroxine and 10mcg Liothyronine ( on the NHS) my Serum Gamma GT level was always well below the normal range of 0-45 u/L . I understand that thyroid medication can affect the level . In September 2023 it was 46u/L . October 2024 it is 48u/L.My GP has said no action but I was just wondering if anyone else has had this? I will try and insert my results. I started taking NDT in May 2023. I would really appreciate any views on this. 😊

[bantam12]

I would be surprised if any Dr would even comment on the result as it’s so near normal, they don’t take notice until levels are way up in the 100s>

My GGT has been up in the many 100s for over 15 years and despite all tests including biopsy no cause found. I’m just monitored now and assumed it’s my new normal.

Meds can cause increase but often no cause is found especially if all other liver enzymes are within normal range.

[VSHchocolate in reply to bantam12]

Thank you, that’s reassuring

[TiggerMe Ambassador]

Welcome aboard

Snipped this from the Medichecks results page...

What might a high result mean?

Elevated levels of Gamma-GT can be caused by liver diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. This is because when the liver is damaged it can leak its contents, such as enzymes, into the bloodstream. Levels can also rise in people with bile duct blockages due to ailments such as gallstones and gallbladder tumours.

Perhaps you should be pushing for a gallbladder scan? Gallstones not unusual for Hypos...

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[VSHchocolate in reply to TiggerMe]

I don’t have a thyroid I had cancer 25 years ago, I was hyper prior to that. My TSH is fairly suppressed as advised by oncology. So I can’t be hypo. I will keep gallstones in mind though.

[humanbean]

Just for info :

A high sugar or high carb diet can raise GGT.

Although my GGT is always in range I have had another liver function test increase (in my case ALT) when my diet has become carb heavy, and it has reduced when I've been more sensible with my carb and sugar intake.

I also know that my ALT rises when I eat gluten, and drops when I give it up again.

Perhaps you could give up gluten and/or cut down on sugar and high-carb foods as an experiment to see if it improves your GGT.

A lot of people with thyroid disease don't do well with gluten, even if Crohn's testing comes back negative.

[VSHchocolate in reply to humanbean]

Thank you. That’s interesting, however my diet hasn’t really changed and is relatively healthy. It’s just the marked jump in GGT since starting on NDT and then changing over to T3/T4 meds, prior to that my levels were well below range, I assume because I have never drunk any alcohol.

[Bertwills]

Do you take any supplements? Some frequently used ones can be hard on the liver & some even cause liver damage. If you do take supplements maybe google each one to check effect on the liver.

[VSHchocolate in reply to Bertwills]

Hi the supplements I take haven’t changed for years. The only thing that has changed is adding NDT then replacing it with T3/T4 . I will check all the supplements just in case . Thank you ☺️

[Lynneypin]

mine has been over range for many years. My GP accepts it as my new normal. Most recently (August) it was 69. My consultant did say if it reached 90 he would like to see me again for a biopsy.