Cholesterol levels - Elite Hormone Therapy

What are 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. There are two types:

• LDL cholesterol - the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries
• HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries

When you get your cholesterol tested, you will receive a lipid profile that shows your:

• Total cholesterol level
• LDL cholesterol level
• HDL cholesterol level
• Triglycerides level

What do the numbers mean?

Here are normal and unhealthy levels for U.S. adults:

• Total Cholesterol
  • Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL
  • Unhealthy: 200 mg/dL or higher
• LDL Cholesterol
  • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
  • Unhealthy: 130 mg/dL or higher
• HDL Cholesterol
  • Normal: 60 mg/dL or higher
  • Unhealthy: Less than 40 mg/dL (for men) or less than 50 mg/dL (for women)

High cholesterol puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke because it can lead to a buildup of plaques in your arteries. As the arteries narrow, blood flow to the heart muscle is reduced, causing chest pain or other symptoms.

If your levels are unhealthy, it's important to improve your diet, exercise more, stop smoking, and possibly take medication. The experts at Elite Hormone Therapy can help create a customized plan to get your cholesterol into a healthy zone.

Tips to improve cholesterol

Here are some ways to help lower high LDL or total cholesterol:

• Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds
• Choose lean protein sources like fish, chicken, beans
• Use healthy oils like olive or avocado oil
• Limit saturated fat, trans fat, salt and added sugars
• Lose extra weight
• Exercise for 30-60 minutes most days

The physicians at Elite Hormone Therapy specialize in holistic hormone treatments and cholesterol management. We take the time to understand lifestyle factors and create customized wellness plans. Contact us today to schedule your evaluation!