Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase
Liver Function marker
GGT
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase
Category: Liver Function
Unit: U/L
Enzyme involved in bile duct function. Sensitive marker for liver/bile duct issues and alcohol use.
PED Notes
Can be elevated by oral AAS. More specific to liver than AST/ALT since it's not affected by muscle damage. Good confirmatory test for liver stress vs training-induced elevation. If GGT is elevated alongside ALT/AST, liver stress is confirmed. If GGT is normal but AST/ALT are elevated, the elevation is likely from muscle damage, not liver.
When high
Supplements:
- TUDCA -- 500-1000mg/day (with meals); first-line for GGT elevation, which typically reflects cholestatic/bile duct stress
- NAC -- 1200-1800mg/day (empty stomach, divided doses); glutathione precursor
- Milk Thistle / Silymarin Phytosome (Siliphos) -- 200mg 2x/day for ~10x absorption vs standard silymarin
Compound/AAS adjustments:
- Switch oral AAS to injectable equivalents -- GGT elevation from 17-alpha-alkylated orals drops substantially on injectable-only cycles
- Drop 17-alpha-alkylated orals (Dianabol, Anadrol, Winstrol, Anavar, Superdrol, Halotestin) if GGT is elevated alongside ALT/AST, especially with rising bilirubin
- Proviron (mesterolone) is NOT 17-aa and does not elevate GGT meaningfully
- Zero alcohol during oral AAS cycles; alcohol is the single biggest non-AAS driver of elevated GGT
Pharmacological options (cholestatic pattern):
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA / Actigall) -- 10-15mg/kg/day (typically 500mg 2x/day); prescription bile acid, gold-standard for cholestatic injury; more potent than TUDCA; physician-supervised
- Indication: GGT >3x ULN with rising bilirubin or jaundice
Lifestyle:
- Consider reducing or dropping oral AAS if GGT is elevated alongside ALT/AST
History Chart
Reading History
Frequently Asked Questions
Reference Ranges
Standard Range
0 - 60 U/L
VitalMetrics Range
0 - 80 U/L