Elevated Liver Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?

Question
Hi!  I recently went in for a routine physical and the results came back that my liver function was elevated.  The doctor said it is supposed to be between 10-35 and mine was 42.  He did more tests and tested me for a number of things including gallstones, hepatitis and autoimmune diseases, all of which came back normal.  The doctor wants me to wait 2 months and go back to test again to see if it's gone up or down.  At my last physical a year ago the level was "8" so this elevated level is within the last year.  I am a 32 year old female who is very healthy - I'm a personal trainer so I'm always active, my cholesterol, blood pressure, etc is excellent.  I haven't had a drop of alcohol in 8 years and I eat well.  I only take one medication and that's Luvox for depression and OCD.  What can cause elevated liver function results?  The doctor mentioned fatty liver (under his breath!).  what is that?

Thanks!
Erin

Answer
Hi Erin,
From the results of your testing, so far so good. A recheck is in order to see which direction the liver test is going. Fatty liver is when fat cell replace liver cells. The cause of this varies. Do you take tylenol or acetaminophen in any over the counter drugs? This can cause elevated liver tests too.  The only real way to tell is by liver ultrasound and or CT of the abdomen. I'd ask you doctor to explain the fatty liver diagnosis with you.