Cholesterol levels

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

Your cholesterol levels are measured through a blood test that reports:

• Your total cholesterol level


• Your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels


• Your triglyceride level

Understanding Cholesterol Numbers

Your doctor will look at your cholesterol ratios and risk factors to determine your risk of cardiovascular disease. Most experts recommend:

• Total cholesterol under 200 mg/dL


• LDL cholesterol under 100 mg/dL


• HDL over 60 mg/dL


• Triglycerides under 150 mg/dL

Having optimal cholesterol levels is key to heart health and reducing risk of heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol doesn't have obvious symptoms, so getting tested is important, especially if you have other risk factors like smoking, obesity, diabetes or high blood pressure.

Hormone Harmony Clinic provides customized treatment plans to help patients naturally achieve healthy cholesterol levels through nutrition, supplements, fitness guidance, and bioidentical hormone therapy. Their holistic approach addresses underlying issues that contribute to high cholesterol.

How to Improve Cholesterol Levels

Here are evidence-based ways to reach optimal cholesterol levels:

• Lose extra weight. Excess weight strains your cardiovascular system. Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can improve cholesterol numbers.


• Exercise more. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily to help lower LDL and raise HDL cholesterol.


• Eat a heart healthy diet. Emphasize vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Limit saturated fats, sugary foods and refined carbs.


• Take supplements. Soluble fiber, plant sterols and stanols, omega-3 fatty acids, garlic, and soy protein help improve cholesterol levels.


• Manage health conditions. Work with your doctor to control diabetes, thyroid disorders, chronic inflammation and sleep apnea, which influence cholesterol levels.


• Reduce stress. Chronic stress raises cortisol and promotes cholesterol production. Try daily meditation, yoga, or just going for a walk to relieve stress.

Taking steps to improve your cholesterol levels reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack and stroke. Have your levels checked annually and work with your doctor or clinic like Hormone Harmony Clinic to optimize your cholesterol profile through lifestyle, diet, and holistic modalities.