What Causes Elevated Liver Enzyme Levels?

Elevated liver enzyme levels can have various causes, just like most other symptoms. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose elevated liver enzyme levels, we could:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "elevated liver enzyme levels" as a symptom. Here are two possibilities:

Hemochromatosis
Liver Congestion

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

very low sperm count

very oily/sticky stools

fatty food intolerance

reduced mental clarity

mid-right abdominal discomfort

undigested fat in stools

severe fatigue after slight exertion

major joint pain/swelling/stiffness

anal itching

darker/redder skin color

diminished perspiration

gallbladder attacks

... and more than 40 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of elevated liver enzyme levels:

Cause	Probability	Status
Hemochromatosis	93%	Confirm
Liver Congestion	67%	Possible

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate having had recent lab tests, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

Liver Enzymes. Are your liver enzymes elevated?

Possible responses:

→ Don't know
→ No (they are normal)
→ In the past only
→ Currently slightly
→ Current significantly

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate normal liver enzyme levels, history of elevated liver enzymes or elevated liver enzymes, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Hemochromatosis (Iron overload)

A common early sign of progressive iron overload is symptom-free elevation of liver enzymes, which can be accompanied by recurrent right-sided abdominal pain and liver enlargement. Liver disease, which is present in as many as 95% of patients with iron overload, is the most common complication.

Liver Detoxification / Support Requirement

... and also rule out issues such as:

Liver Function Test Requirement

Your Liver Enzymes Level