Elevated GGT Levels: Seeking Clarity
Greetings, I am a 37-year-old female, standing at 163 cm tall and weighing 92 kg. In February, I underwent a blood test where my CRP level was recorded at 21 mg/L, while the normal range in the UK is below 5 mg/L. By March, this value escalated slightly to 22 mg/L. Moreover, my GGT readings were 72 u/L in February, exceeding the normal threshold of less than 45 u/L. By March, this number increased further to 81 u/L. It’s worth noting that my other liver function tests returned normal results. Previously, I consumed around 5 units of alcohol per week, but I ceased all alcoholic beverages on February 9th. I also regularly take Paracetamol for managing scoliosis-related pain, typically between 4 to 8 tablets each day. Additionally, I am prescribed cetirizine to manage chronic hives that I have been dealing with since 2016. I am currently awaiting an ultrasound appointment, as I am quite apprehensive about these test results. Thank you for your understanding.
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 5:01:10 PM
OpenHealth AI
Elevated GGT levels can be concerning, but there are various factors that can contribute to this increase. It’s important to consider your recent alcohol cessation, medication use, and overall health conditions.
Explanation
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme that helps indicate liver health. Elevated levels might suggest liver stress or damage, often linked to alcohol consumption, certain medications, or other health issues. Your CRP levels also indicate some inflammation, which could be related to various factors including chronic pain from scoliosis or the hives you're experiencing.
Given your reported GGT levels, working with your healthcare team is crucial to determine the underlying cause. Your alcohol cessation is a positive step, but regular use of Paracetamol, especially in higher doses, can impact liver function if used continuously.
Next Steps
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Monitor Medication Use: Continue to assess your Paracetamol intake. Aim to limit use to the recommended maximum (generally 4 grams per day for adults, but lower is safer) and consider alternative pain management strategies if possible. Discuss this with your doctor to explore options.
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Prepare for the Ultrasound: Use this upcoming ultrasound to gather more information about your liver. Understanding whether there are any structural changes will be key.
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Hydrate and Maintain a Balanced Diet: Ensure you're drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. This can support overall health.
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Reduce Stress: Since you're experiencing anxiety about the situation, try stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle exercise (with consideration of your scoliosis).
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Keep a Health Diary: Track any symptoms you experience and changes in your health leading up to the ultrasound. This can help provide insight to your healthcare provider.
It's normal to feel anxious during this time, but you're taking proactive steps to address your health. If you have specific concerns about your medications or experience new symptoms, consider revisiting your healthcare provider sooner. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional guidance!
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