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What Causes Low Ferritin Levels?

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Posted on Fri, 18 Sep 2015
Question: I have uploaded two recent blood tests.
1st was in July were i have raised ferritin levels and high liver count... waited 6 weeks and have now uploaded my floow up blood test results.
ferritin has dropped slightly but liverl count has increased after cutting back alcohol.
why would my liver results increase after lifstyle changes...
i am having a scan of the liver on thursday.
are these very high results?
please see attached reports for results.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Parth Desai (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Hello I would like to know the following details mam-

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam,
I did review your concerns.
as you have said, The ferritin has dropped but the liver function tests show mild aberrations in GGT and ALT. These findings are ideally seen with mild obstructive liver problem or liver parenchymal problems which may range from viral infections to use of medications, bile duct stones and so on.
Are you on any medications like oral contraception or any other medications?
Have you had any yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin?
Have you noticed any long term fatigue, weight loss or fever?

Please let me know the answers to this question
I hope this helps.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns mam.
Wish you all the best
Sincerely,
Dr Parth Desai
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anil Parth Desai (29 minutes later)
Hello

No yellowing of skin or eyes.

I am not on any birth control.

I do take losec 20mg

Take mercyndol about 5 tablets per week.

No weight loss- weight gain in recent years.
Bmi 33...over weights.
Slight fatigue
Slight fever on the odd occasion

Ultra sound 1.5 years ago show slight fatty liver.

Having a follow up ultrasound on Thursday.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Parth Desai (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Hello mam, I would recommend the following-

Detailed Answer:
hello mam,
I did review your concern mam.
the reason for raised GGT and ALT can be due to two possible reasons or a mix of both.
1) either it could be what we call Non- alcoholic fatty liver disease that happens in people with increased weight and increased insulin resistance. Since you had documented fatty liver by ultrasound 1.5 years ago I would recommend you get that reviewed which you are already getting done on thursday. Also I would recommend a weight loss regime by consulting a dietician and also regular aerobic exercise to try to decrease weight.
2) I would recommend cutting down on mercyndol or stopping it since it contains paracetamol and long term intake or heavy intake can cause mild to moderate disturbance in liver function and elevated enzymes. however, you do not have jaundice so the injury if at all would be very mild.

I hope this helps mam.
wish you all the best,
let me know if you have any more questions or concerns,
Sincerely,
Dr Parth Desai


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anil Parth Desai (36 hours later)
Is my liver count considering exteamly high or Mild?
Am I able to reverse it with the recommendations?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anil Parth Desai (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Hi this elevations are very mild and reversible.

Detailed Answer:
Hello mam,
thank you for your reply query.
Your liver enzymes are very mildly elevated and also the bilirubin is not raised.So there is nothing much to worry above.
I believe that mostly with the above recommendations and curbing down on alcoholic beverages which you have been doing will definitely help in bringing these enzyme levels down.
If they dont go down with this recommendations after 2-3 months or increase then we may need to do other tests like a liver biopsy. however, right now no such testing is required and I believe it will eventually normalize.
I hope this helps
Wish you all the best.
Let me know if you have any more questions or concerns mam.
Sincerely,
Dr Parth Desai.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Anil Parth Desai

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 593 Questions

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What Causes Low Ferritin Levels?

Brief Answer: Hello I would like to know the following details mam- Detailed Answer: Hello mam, I did review your concerns. as you have said, The ferritin has dropped but the liver function tests show mild aberrations in GGT and ALT. These findings are ideally seen with mild obstructive liver problem or liver parenchymal problems which may range from viral infections to use of medications, bile duct stones and so on. Are you on any medications like oral contraception or any other medications? Have you had any yellowish discoloration of eyes and skin? Have you noticed any long term fatigue, weight loss or fever? Please let me know the answers to this question I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any questions or concerns mam. Wish you all the best Sincerely, Dr Parth Desai