Treating hypothyroidism with synthetic hormones may help lower cholesterol levels, according to the ATA. But it’s possible that standard treatment alone isn’t enough to keep all systems running normally.
The latest research suggests LDL and total cholesterol levels are not fully restored even in people being adequately treated for hypothyroidism. Specifically, LDL and total cholesterol remained higher in people with hypothyroidism who were taking levothyroxine at doses to achieve normal serum TSH levels.
So, although levothyroxine works well for raising levels of thyroid hormone production (despite not being a treatment for high cholesterol), it may not be enough to cut your amount of cholesterol. You might need to add medication, lifestyle changes, or both.
Medication
Statins are a mainstay for treating high cholesterol. But according to one study, statins won’t make your hypothyroidism worse, but the latest research suggests you’re more likely to have statin intolerance if you have hypothyroidism, especially if you are a woman. Muscle pain is a top cause of statin intolerance among people with hypothyroidism, and PCSK9 inhibitors and ezetimibe could be alternatives to statins for patients with this intolerance.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can also help your cholesterol levels, regardless of whether you have hypothyroidism.
Keep to a healthy weight. Excess weight contributes to inflammation and metabolic problems, including high cholesterol. Losing even a modest amount of weight can be helpful. “It’s important to know that even a very small change in weight, like 10 pounds, can make an impact on your cholesterol,” says McAninch.
Get regular exercise.Exercise can help clear lipids, such as LDL, from your bloodstream. McAninch evaluates her patients’ cardiovascular health and then recommends a tailored exercise plan based on their fitness level. Some people start with slow walking to increase their activity, but others can do high-intensity exercise. “It’s important to find an activity you like and will do,” she says.
Improve your diet. A heart-healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins like poultry, fish, and nuts — as well as low in saturated and trans fats — can have a big effect on your cholesterol levels. Think “Mediterranean diet” and you’ll be most of the way there. But remember to take it slow, especially if you’re trying to drastically change your eating patterns. “It can be daunting to go from a very unhealthy diet to a [healthy] diet, so I try to just make one or two suggestions to start,” says McAninch.
