Cholesterol levels

What is cholesterol levels?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all cells of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. However, cholesterol also comes from the foods you eat.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

• LDL cholesterol, sometimes called "bad" cholesterol - Having high levels of LDL cholesterol leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. This buildup is known as atherosclerosis. Over time, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.


• HDL cholesterol, sometimes called "good" cholesterol - HDL carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver then removes the cholesterol from your body.

High cholesterol usually doesn't have any symptoms. As a result, many people do not know that their cholesterol levels are too high. Getting your cholesterol checked is important.

The recommended cholesterol levels are:

• Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL


• LDL cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL


• HDL cholesterol: 60 mg/dL or higher

What affects cholesterol levels?

Your cholesterol levels are affected by your age, sex, heredity, and diet. Some foods that may increase your LDL cholesterol include:

• Saturated and trans fats


• Dietary cholesterol


• Excess weight

You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more, quitting smoking, and eating more fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains and foods with added plant sterols or stanols.

If lifestyle changes alone don't lower your high cholesterol, medications can help get your levels in check. At Hormone Health Clinic, our specialized hormone treatments can help optimize cholesterol levels through improved hormonal balance. Ask our experts today how we can help!