Hi all,

I've just been on this forum for a few days. (See my newbie post) And I just got back test results. The Dr. wants to put me on Cholesteral meds and I just don't want to take any more meds! I am on BP, depression, avandamet (the Dr. said glucophage wasn't helping-I was on 500 mg. per day. And the avandamet is making me ravenous!! He is switching to a lower dosage. Anyway, here are the numbers:

Cholosterol, total 232 mg/dL
Triglycerides 165 mg/dL
HDL 47 mg/dL
VLDL Cholesterol Cal 33 mg/dL
LDL Cholesterol Calc 152

LDL/HDL Ratio 3.2

The numbers don't look terribly bad to me. Is there a way I can reduce the "bad" numbers and raise the HDL naturally? I just started back on low carb about three days ago. I have read what the numbers mean at the beginning of the thread but some of those normal numbers are higher than what is stated on the test results.

Also, on a personal note, does anyone fight a low sex drive? I had my hormones checked and the testosterone was 0.5, the progesterone was 0.3 ng/mL (I think the "n" is a mistake)
I have also read that heavy women tend to have too much estrogen and not enough progesterone, and also that low progesterone can cause hair loss. And my hair has gotten very thin on top and thin everywhere. I am not "postmenopausal" yet so shouldn't my progesterone be higher?

I also have most of the symptoms of low thyroid and my TSH is 1.243. The test says the limits are 0.350-5.500.

I need help knowing what to do. I just don't want to fill up on meds if something else can be done. Please help.

Hi all,

I am posting again because no one has replied to my other post. Is there anyone out there who has any info? Please see my "need help with numbers" post.

Any info. would be appreciated. Thanks, Tina

The low carb diet should lower triglycerides, at least. HDL isn't real easy to raise. Exercise helps, and I have had luck with policosanol, available at health food stores.

Hi Tina,

If you have only just started back on low carb, your cholesterol numbers will improve greatly within the next few months.

Try not to worry too much, Tina. I would definitely refuse the drugs. In fact I have. My doctor would prefer that I take Lipitor because my LDL is a little high (higher than yours ) but as my HDL is now high, and my trigs low, I am happy with my numbers.


Low carb will easily raise HDL. Mine has risen dramatically since I began low carbing.

Rosebud

Everyone is different, I guess. After a year of low carbing, my HDL was the same, but my trigylicerides were dramatically down..bUt I completely agree that if you're just starting out on the diet you need to give it a chance without drugs.
.

You're quite right, Ira, we are all different. From my reading, I had assumed that the rise in HDL was pretty common in LCers, but obviously not all.

I do take fish oil capsules, which has the double effect of helping my arthritis as well.

Cheers.

Rosebud

Thanks Rosebud and Ira- I appreciate the support. I just wanted to make sure I was on the right path.

the pharmacist has called twice to say the meds are ready. I just don't respond to the messages!
Thanks again! Tina