Hypothyroidism and High Cholesterol

Repost. By Rachel | September 4, 2018

Having a thyroid disorder is no walk in the park. Individuals with thyroid deficiencies can lead to elevated cholesterol levels which, in turn, can also lead to cardiovascular risks. Keeping your thyroid in balance will keep your cholesterol in check. Continue reading our article to learn about hypothyroidism and how it effects your cholesterol levels.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones to meet the bodies needs. The thyroid is under-active, which can cause other complications throughout the body. Some symptoms to keep in mind that come with this disease include fatigue, cold intolerance, and joint/muscle pain. These symptoms tend to develop slowly. So it is important that you get your blood pressure checked regularly especially because the symptoms are very general.

Its Relationship with High Cholesterol

If you have hypothyroidism, your body is not making enough thyroid hormones which has a heavy effect on your cholesterol levels. Thyroid hormones help regulate LDL (bad) cholesterol clearance. Having too little thyroid hormones translates to not enough cholesterol clearance, therefore raising your LDL cholesterol levels. While having too little thyroid hormones can cause greater cholesterol absorption.

Treatment for High Cholesterol with Hypothyroidism

Since thyroid hormone levels will effects individuals differently, it is important to talk to your doctor about treatment options. You want to choose options that are best suited for your health and overall lifestyle. You will want to mention to your doctor all of your medical conditions, family history, and current thyroid status to make sure the next steps are best for you!