Hello, my recent bloods showed my triglycerides was 6mmol. Is this concerning?
I am a 44 year old female with 2 young children and a number of health conditions including Hypothyroidism, Bile Acid Malabsorption and Stage 4 endometriosis (& others) and on medication to control the symptoms of these. Recently I have been feeling weak, fatigued, lethargic and having blurry vision. I had recent bloods done and all is OK save for my platelets (but these are always high). I don't do much exercise and could eat better but it's not the worst diet and I don't drink/smoke. I have a healthy BMI/weight also (BMI is about 22.5).
Any idea what this means please? Thank you
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Charltonjl
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Given that I am not a medical professional I would say your triglyceride levels are exceptionally high. The ideal normal non fasting level should be no more 2.3 mmol/litre. And since the level of triglycerides is so high it is highly likely that your total cholesterol is also very high too. My take would be a subtle change in diet is not going to do much for you, and so you should certainly be discussing this with your GP who will be able to decide on the best way forward for you.
There is a discussion on triglycerides here which you may find useful and informative
Unfortunately for some people lifestyle including diet, body mass, and exercise only have a limited impact on their lipid levels and lipid profiles. I am one such poor 'unfortunate' who has very high natural cholesterol, likely genetic since others in my family are the same, and were it not for medication probably would have been gone years ago!
In a lots of cases it isn’t your diet it is down to your own body and how much cholesterol it makes. You may find that you are peri menopausal, oestrogen plays a big part in controlling cholesterol in your blood, something I have only learnt since having a HA and finding out I had high cholesterol.
Hey! It's not all beer and skittles being a bloke, you know! I'm coming back as a woman next time, running rings around the men. Need to be beautiful though!!! 😀
I didn't know this. My mum actually went through the menopause at my age. I'm on the contraceptive pill (to control my stage 4 endometriosis symptoms) so hard to tell what my body is doing under the surface. Thank you x
I agree. That result is extremely high. Mine is 0.7. I would think your GP would want a discussion with you. There may be a reason. What are your HDL and LDL levels?
Can't say for sure but it looks like your total is 4.9 (top number on sheet) and your HDL is ok so it's perplexing but could be your other conditions affecting it. Best to talk it through with your GP.
is your thyroid properly medicated? just a thought, if its not that does affect lipid levels overall. GP best one to discuss with since he knows your general medical history.
Thank you. It's funny you mention that as my recent thyroid results for my endocrinologist doesn't look too great either. I didn't realise there was a link. I'm due to meet her on the 18th again x
It is unmedicated or undermedicated hypothyroidism which can contribute to high cholesterol levels, but this is obviously not the case with you. Your TSH is low, which does not really correspond with a lowish FT4, but possibly other meds or conditions could be affecting this.
Thank you for responding. I don't quite understand - are my thyroid blood results contradictory? Or is it that a low TSH should not be affecting my triglycerides level? Apologies for my ignorance. I have a number of conditions and don't know how they may link with each other xx
Statins can reduce them by up to 40%. Apparently Omega 3 is good - not sure if you like fish. Not sure if you can take fish oil or Omega 3 supplements with your other meds.
I’m getting genetic testing for my cholesterol but it takes up to 6 months.
Aww I already take omega 3 capsules daily (have done for a few years now). I'm guessing that's not a good sign then to have such a high result whilst already taking it? X
Probably worth the doctor looking at your thyroid. Wonder if they will do genetic testing for high cholesterol as well.
Some people are predisposed to high levels - they can prescribe statins and other meds. They suggested a potential trial if it turns out to be genetic for me but I’m not sure I’d go for it.
I am not an expert in this area, but this is what I think may be accurate.
In the US, we measure triglycerides in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The normal range is below 150 mg/dL.
in your country, triglycerides are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). The normal range is below 1.7 mmol/L.
Borderline High is 1.8 — 2.2 mmol/L
High is 2.3 — 5.6 mmol/L
Very High is 5.7 or above
Having a high level of triglycerides in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease. They can contribute to hardening of the arteries or thickening of the artery walls. High triglycerides can be a sign of Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. They can also be a sign of other illnesses/conditions. Your doctor can likely help you sort this out.
Fortunately, there are things that can help lower your triglycerides. For example, lifestyle changes such as exercising more, eating a balanced diet, cutting back on alcohol, etc.—all of the things that contribute to a healthy lifestyle can help lower your triglycerides. Some people are also given medications such as statins.
I would suggest that you see your doctor in order to discuss what your score really means and to see what things you can do to lower your score. That may, or may not, include lifestyle changes and/or medications to help. The important thing to remember is that you can change these numbers.
Thank you so much Yes I think it may be the medication route as I don't drink/smoke and don't eat too badly (could be better but than most people probably can!). Am a good weight etc too. Will see what they say but thank you xx
What treatment are you on for the bile salts malabsorbtion as the bile binders such as colestyramine can raise triglycerides considerably. Mine is high from this.
Oh really, I didn't realise that. I am on Colestyramine also (have been since Sept 2021), 1 sachet every evening. So it could be my thyroid issue, my BAM meds, and also being peri-menopausal too so potentially everything contributing. Are you on any medication because of this? Thanks so much xx
I'm on atorvasatin 40mg a day but this is for the colestyramine effects and also to keep my overall cholesterol very low for another condition I have. Hope you get to the bottom of it xx
Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood.
When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals.
If you regularly eat more calories than you burn, particularly from high-carbohydrate foods, you may have high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia). I got the above statements from a Mayo Clinic website.
Thank you. That makes sense. I do eat a lot more than most women my size. Just thought I had a high/quick metabolism but maybe the excess calories are now converting into triglycerides instead x
CharltonjlThis is high and you have had some good advice already including getting checked for the menopause . In addition given you are female with hypothyroidism and your symptoms I would get your B12 and folate levels checked. You are at risk of pernicious anaemia. You may find your hbc1a is also elevated, can all be linked. Hope you find some answers and improvement in symptoms. Take care
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