What your blood test results reveal about metabolism, hormones and stress
The liver is one of the most vital organs in your body, and also one of the most resilient. It plays a crucial role in metabolism , detoxification , hormone breakdown , and nutrient absorption . Yet many men only pay attention to it when initial symptoms appear or lab results are abnormal.
A simple blood test can determine so-called liver function values : biochemical markers that provide information about liver function, cell damage, or overload . Monitoring liver function values is essential, especially during periods of high physical exertion, dietary supplements, alcohol consumption, or medication use.
Why is it important to keep an eye on your liver values?
The liver regulates, among other things, fat metabolism, blood sugar levels, and the breakdown of sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen . Overloading or damage to the liver can have far-reaching consequences:
- declining energy level
- hormonal imbalances (e.g. low free testosterone)
- Increase in inflammation markers
- Fat accumulation (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
- Concentration problems (“brain fog”)
- elevated cholesterol levels
- immunodeficiency
Men with increased alcohol consumption or increased medication use benefit particularly from regular check-ups.
Which liver values are measured in the blood?
Typical parameters for assessing liver health:
-
GPT/ALT (Alanine aminotransferase)
→ most sensitive marker for liver damage
-
GOT/AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
→ less liver-specific, can also increase during muscle exertion
-
Gamma-GT (GGT)
→ increased with alcohol consumption, medications, fatty liver
-
Alkaline phosphatase (AP)
→ relevant for bile ducts, bone diseases
-
Bilirubin (total and direct)
→ Signs of impaired bile flow or liver cell function
-
Cholinesterase (CHE)
→ Value for protein synthesis in the liver (e.g. reduced in malnutrition)
The assessment is not done in isolation , but within the overall context. For example, a slightly elevated AST level after strenuous training is usually less critical than persistently high transaminase levels (ALT/AST) without an identifiable cause.
What influences liver function tests?
Liver function values can be temporarily or permanently altered by many factors; some examples are listed below:
Stressful:
- regular or excessive alcohol consumption
- Medications (e.g. painkillers such as paracetamol, statins, anabolic steroids)
- Infections (e.g., hepatitis)
- Overweight and visceral abdominal fat
- chronic stress and lack of sleep
- toxic exposure from environmental toxins
Protective / stabilizing:
- high-fiber, plant-based diet
- Bitter substances (e.g. artichoke, milk thistle)
- adequate hydration
- Intermittent fasting
- Strength and endurance training
- adequate intake of zinc, magnesium, vitamin B6, B12, choline
What symptoms can occur with abnormal liver function tests?
Liver dysfunction often remains asymptomatic for a long time, which is why regular blood tests are important. Typical symptoms only appear when the dysfunction is severe.
- constant fatigue, exhaustion
- Pressure sensation in the right upper abdomen
- Itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Loss of appetite, nausea
- Loss of libido, hormonal imbalances
- unexplained weight loss or weight gain
How often should liver function be checked?
Annual checkups are sufficient for healthy men. However, if the results are abnormal, or if there is intensive supplementation or regular alcohol consumption, the levels should be checked every 3–6 months .
Control is particularly important in the following cases:
- long-term use of medication
- Suspected fatty liver, gallbladder disorder or chronic stress
Conclusion
The liver is a central organ for energy, metabolism, hormones, and detoxification – especially for men who lead a performance-oriented lifestyle. Liver function tests provide early indications of whether a demanding lifestyle is causing stress or whether action is needed.
Regular check-ups not only help to avoid damage, but also to maintain the optimal function of your body - especially in connection with nutrition, training and hormonal balance.
