I recently rec'd lab results from a life insurance exam and found that some of my liver enzymes were elevated. They are: Alkaline Phosphatase 233 (normal up to 115), ALT 60 (normal up to 45), GGT 164 (normal up to 65). Three or so years ago, I had only slightly elevated numbers and was referred to a specialist who ran many tests, including a HIDA scan, gastric emptying study, ultrasound and endoscopy. I had been having pain in my upper right abdomen that went through to my spine. The endoscopy showed gastritis, but no cause. They suspected H. pylori, but that was negative. Then, they thought gall stones, which also came back negative. Although they were not able to determine a true cause for my pain, they referred me to a surgeon to remove my gall bladder. The surgeon recommended against surgery at this time as he couldn't guarantee that it would relieve my pain. He did run some blood work, however, and found that I had chronic Epstein Barr virus. This wasn't a huge shock, since I've had symptoms of CFS for years. Can chronic EBV cause these types numbers for my liver enzymes?
I am also on several prescription meds,including Armour thyroid and Levoxyl (due to Hashimotos thyroiditis), DHEA(low dose prescription in liquid drops) Prometrium and Vivelle Dot (due to a hysterectomy in 1994) as well as melatonin, glucosamine, and a daily vitamin. I just recently switched to the Vivelle Dot estrogen patch and had been on Estrace for 9 years. I thought perhaps it was the estrogen running through my liver that was causing the elevated liver enzymes, but had switched to the patch 2 months before these most current labs.
Another thought is that I am in a high risk category for breast cancer (sister diagnosed at 23, died at 28) and heard that some of these enzymes are markers for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer.
In addition to the stomach pain, which I've had off and on since I was two years old, (formerly diagnosed as an ulcer, though no evidence showed up) I've had daily chronic headaches (tension) for nearly five years. I had been taking regular high doses of NSAIDs, but quit taking them a couple of years ago as they seemed to irritate my stomach. (It is also irritated by spicy, or fatty (usually dairy) foods - indicating gall bladder)
I am 40 years old, about 10 pounds overweight, non-smoker,and drink alcohol occasionally, probably 1-2 drinks per week. Please let me know what you think. I'm trying to find a different specialist at this time, but need some direction on where to go next. Thank you!