On a life insurance exam, I had AST of 53, ALT of 82 and GGT of 154.  I do drink alcohol, but had a ultrasound in 2008 because of high enzymes.  Everything was normal.  I have been taking Milk Thistle for the past few months in order to get levels down.   I have not re-tested.   I also take 20 mgs of Lexapro a day.  Please give me your opinion of these numbers.  Should I be alarmed?   After the 2008 scare, it really makes me nervous to be tested.  Probably wouldnt have if not for the life insurance exam.  They did approve me on a standard rating. Thanks so much
Hello, Yes alcohol consumption can cause these altered Alt/ AST levels and more specifically GGT levels, if you had similar elevations in the past and was on Silymarin (Milk thistle), and your present examination still shows elevated levels, yes you need to be completely examined and tested, you have to first abstain from alcohol, check your liver, get an ultrasound done, so that the baseline Liver status can be known, depending upon your test results you please consult your doctor so that further treatment plans can be discussed.  Hope I could help you. Thank you.