My GGT is high — what should I do?
GGT elevation is sensitive but nonspecific — alcohol, hepatic steatosis, medications, and biliary disease are common drivers. Pair with ALT/AST, ALP, lipids, and a fasting glucose. Address modifiable drivers before further imaging.
Full answer
GGT is among the most sensitive liver enzymes but the least specific. Common drivers are alcohol, hepatic steatosis (often paired with elevated ALT and metabolic markers), medications (antiepileptics, statins early, others), and biliary disease (paired with ALP). The workup includes ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, INR, a full lipid panel, fasting glucose, and an alcohol history. Modifiable drivers — alcohol reduction, weight optimization, medication review — are addressed first. Persistent unexplained elevation prompts hepatic imaging and hepatology review.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Methodology — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-06-03