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Old 09-23-20, 05:02 PM  
Erica H.
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Has anyone had elevated liver enzymes due to exercise?

I had blood work done last week and there were a lot of abnormal results including elevated liver enzymes. The doctor ordered a liver ultrasound and wanted me to repeat the blood work a week later. I decided to wait on the ultrasound in case the lab work came back normal, but the liver enzymes were still elevated.

I really don't think anything is wrong with my liver and don't want to have the ultrasound due to the expense. I did some research and read that exercise can cause liver enzymes to be elevated, so I was wondering if anyone here had that happen. I do exercise more than average.

Erica
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Old 09-23-20, 10:22 PM  
Taiga
 
Join Date: May 2006
Quote:
Originally Posted by Erica H. View Post
I had blood work done last week and there were a lot of abnormal results including elevated liver enzymes. The doctor ordered a liver ultrasound and wanted me to repeat the blood work a week later. I decided to wait on the ultrasound in case the lab work came back normal, but the liver enzymes were still elevated.

I really don't think anything is wrong with my liver and don't want to have the ultrasound due to the expense. I did some research and read that exercise can cause liver enzymes to be elevated, so I was wondering if anyone here had that happen. I do exercise more than average.

Erica
I'm sorry you have to worry about this Erica Very respectfully, this does not seem like a good case for Doctor Internet. You said there were a "lot of abnormal results, including elevated liver enzymes". That's a bigger deal. Those labs likely tell a story when looked at as a whole, so focusing only on liver enzymes may not give you the full picture.

Liver enzyme elevations occur for numerous reasons, including medications (even over the counter), poor diet/excess "junk"food, alcohol intake, viral infections, autoimmune disease etc. Doctors often evaluate by listening to your history and considering the degree of enzyme elevation (are they 10 points or 100 points above normal range etc). Prolonged or intense exercise can cause transient, mild to moderate elevation (typically less than a 30-50 point increase) but this generally resolves in under a week (often a day or two) after resting. That can depend on age, individual health, intensity/duration of the exercise session and other demands on the liver. If your diet is poor or you take medication or alcohol regularly, the elevation may be more significant and prolonged.

I think you may want to ask your doctor for more information. What are the specific concerns that warrant an ultrasound? If you feel strongly about it, voice your concerns and ask your doctor if it would be appropriate to repeat the labs after a week off from exercise. That may or may not be reasonable based on the totality of the lab results, the degree of enzyme elevation and your health history. Sending well wishes your way. HTH.
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Old 09-24-20, 12:47 AM  
Erica H.
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Originally Posted by Taiga View Post
You said there were a "lot of abnormal results, including elevated liver enzymes". That's a bigger deal. Those labs likely tell a story when looked at as a whole, so focusing only on liver enzymes may not give you the full picture.

Liver enzyme elevations occur for numerous reasons, including medications (even over the counter), poor diet/excess "junk"food, alcohol intake, viral infections, autoimmune disease etc. Doctors often evaluate by listening to your history and considering the degree of enzyme elevation (are they 10 points or 100 points above normal range etc). Prolonged or intense exercise can cause transient, mild to moderate elevation (typically less than a 30-50 point increase) but this generally resolves in under a week (often a day or two) after resting. That can depend on age, individual health, intensity/duration of the exercise session and other demands on the liver. If your diet is poor or you take medication or alcohol regularly, the elevation may be more significant and prolonged.
Thank you so much! I already put off the ultrasound until after the second labs were back. The doctor wanted me to have it right away. Then she wanted to see me for a follow-up visit before the ultrasound, but I didn't see the point so I told her I'd see her after the u/s so at least we'd have the results.

The liver enzymes are just mildly elevated and I do exercise a lot. I don't take meds, but I do take many supplements. My WBC is low and it dropped in the week between draws. I have electrolyte imbalances, but I suspect those are caused by my drinking too many fluids. I actually suspect low blood sugar, but she doesn't seem to think that's an issue and that is frustrating. I don't drink alcohol and I rarely eat junk food. I also have chilblains - especially on one hand - with poor circulation in both hands, but she referred me to a vascular doctor for that.

Thank you again for your detailed response. I really appreciate it.

Sent you a pm as well.

Erica
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Old 09-24-20, 01:39 AM  
walkrtalkr
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
I have and it was due to marathon running. Had to go back a year later same thing and if you research it you will find most Marathon runners have elevated liver enzymes. Not to say there could be other reasons but always get a second opinion. Good luck 👍
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Old 09-24-20, 04:32 AM  
Erica H.
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
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I have and it was due to marathon running. Had to go back a year later same thing and if you research it you will find most Marathon runners have elevated liver enzymes. Not to say there could be other reasons but always get a second opinion. Good luck ��
Thank you! This is what I suspect is causing the elevation for me. I'm not a marathon runner, but I run about 45 miles/week at a slow easy pace, plus I lift weights every day and use my heavy bag a few times a week.

Ugh - I'm not sure what I should do. I don't want to waste money on an u/s. I'll have to call the doctor. She also referred me to a vascular doctor (which I agree I need) and a neurologist (not so sure about this one). My DH needs expensive dental work done. I don't want to spend money on medical expenses that aren't needed!

ETA - but, I've been following this exercise routine for years without issues with my blood work.

Erica
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Old 09-24-20, 05:52 AM  
walkrtalkr
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Eric H. - I’ll tell you what I did. This happened when I was about 55. I did go back and get re-tested the next year. My doctor was a specialist because I had been referred to him. Again my liver enzymes were elevated. I had two running buddies also marathon runners who had clued me in that this might happen because theirs were also elevated. I told him I wasn’t going to stop running and training for marathons so every year they’d probably be elevated and so I wasn’t going to make another appointment in a year (because my primary physician could monitor me). I am now 64 and I’ve never had an issue. My HR runs 42; my blood pressure is 94/59 and I’m still running marathons 😊
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Old 09-24-20, 06:35 AM  
Erica H.
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Originally Posted by walkrtalkr View Post
Eric H. - I’ll tell you what I did. This happened when I was about 55. I did go back and get re-tested the next year. My doctor was a specialist because I had been referred to him. Again my liver enzymes were elevated. I had two running buddies also marathon runners who had clued me in that this might happen because theirs were also elevated. I told him I wasn’t going to stop running and training for marathons so every year they’d probably be elevated and so I wasn’t going to make another appointment in a year (because my primary physician could monitor me). I am now 64 and I’ve never had an issue. My HR runs 42; my blood pressure is 94/59 and I’m still running marathons ��
Thank you! This is very reassuring. My blood pressure is about the same as yours and my hr is a little higher (upper 40s). I'm more concerned about my white blood cell count being low and dropping than I am about the liver enzymes. I just turned 53.

ETA - BTW, great job on the marathon running - that is impressive!

Erica
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Old 09-24-20, 03:33 PM  
glavtx
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Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: texas
Erica, have you checked to see if any of the supplements you take could cause your blood chemistry problems? I'm asking because many years ago I was taking Kava Kava, among other things, and ended up with some abnormalities, that went away once I quit taking it.
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Old 09-24-20, 04:16 PM  
Erica H.
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
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Originally Posted by glavtx View Post
Erica, have you checked to see if any of the supplements you take could cause your blood chemistry problems? I'm asking because many years ago I was taking Kava Kava, among other things, and ended up with some abnormalities, that went away once I quit taking it.
The only thing I'm taking that I think could affect results is biotin and I did stop taking that for the follow-up test (and maybe the first - I can't remember!) just in case. But thank you for posting - that is definitely important and many people don't think about it.

BTW, I was scheduled to go for the liver u/s on Saturday afternoon. I was not told that I can't eat or drink for 6 hours before the test, but I was up last night (insomnia) and, for some reason, looked up information on liver ultrasounds and read that no eating or drinking is allowed beforehand. I am so mad that they didn't tell me! I would have shown up and they would have had to postpone the test. I rescheduled for next week for early morning, which is going to mess up my run. I really don't think the liver u/s is even necessary so I'm upset about missing the run.

Erica
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Old 09-25-20, 05:12 AM  
walkrtalkr
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Erica H. Let me know your results. Prayers your way.
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