Significance of elevated liver enzymes

Dear Ask The Doctor: From a blood test I found out I have anemia and a slightly elevated liver enzymes (like a drinker the nurse said). They asked for me to take iron supplements for the anemia and to come back in 6 weeks. Due to money issues, is this something I need to follow through with and be concerned about?

Dear Stephanie:

I realize your concern about Anemia and elevated liver enzymes. Certainly it would have been helpful for me to know the exact enzymes levels to give a better perspective. However let me reassure you that, the levels of the hepatic enzymes might increase acutely if you were taking alcohol a day before your blood test, or medications that were metabolized by your liver.Chronic increase in your liver enzymes might be prodeuced by an inflamatory condition such as non alcoholic or alcoholic hepatitis.

On the other hand, I totally agree with your physician that you should have another test in a month and a half to look for changes in those levels. If your levels increase even more, your PCP would certainly ask for more detailed tests regarding liver function, Hepatitis panel and probably an ultrasound. In the meantime I would suggest you to avoid alcohol, medications that metabolize through the liver like anti inflammatory pills.  For you iron deficiency anemia, your oils certainly help, you can also try natural sources like eating beef liver and spinach.  I wish you a prompt recovery.