Hormone Balance Begins with Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Hormone balance all starts with good amounts of healthy cholesterol. This means that we don’t want cholesterol to be too low. Cholesterol is the precursor to our hormones and it should naturally elevate, to a certain degree, as we age due to hormonal changes, especially in women going through menopause. As long as the cholesterol is made up of healthy HDL and LDL particles (which lab testing can determine), having too much cholesterol can actually be good!

So what about cholesterol that is too low? Total cholesterol below 150 is too low. When cholesterol is tested, hormone testing can be done at the same time to have a very comprehensive look at whether the amount of cholesterol is adequate or not. If cholesterol is low and hormone production is low, it is the reduced cholesterol that is the cause for low hormone levels. Low cholesterol can also cause cognitive decline because our brain is made up of high amounts of LDL cholesterol to function optimally.

Cholesterol can be low for several reasons. Cholesterol lowering medications or supplements can lower cholesterol too much if not monitored regularly. Individuals who have had their gall bladders removed have reduced ability to digest and absorb fats, reducing the body’s ability to make healthy cholesterol. Fat free diets can lead to low cholesterol as well.

If you are interested in determining if your cholesterol levels are healthy or pose a risk, or are wondering how to balance hormones naturally, consider a consultation with a naturopathic doctor, like myself. I order comprehensive laboratory testing often in my practice and educate individuals so that they understand why they feel the way they do. Feel free to contact me for a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation to understand how my services may be beneficial for your health concerns.