test results

[debbiegreco]

I got my yearly test results today TSH 4.95 (.40- 4.50) so a little low I am .75 levothyroxin and have been on varying doses of thyroid since age 18 I will be 66 next month I have been also taking 8.3 mic of T3 for the past few years.

My cholesterol is now 243! and should be less than 150! HDL 72 and LDL 244. Non HDL 276. Not sure what all those mean

Triglycerides were 153 and should be less than 150 High Cholesterol runs in my family. I am thin (95 pounds) and walk 5- 7 miles a day. I do eat meat and probably too many sweets but would appreciate any tips on lowering my cholesterol without taking statins if possible. I am care giver to my three grandchildren ages 7,4 and 2 and hope to be around for them. for a bit longer. My dad died of a heart attack at 68 and he was thin and active like me.

Will upping thyroid meds a notch lower cholesterol? Not sure if I should post this here or in another place

[Marz]

TSH is better around 1 or below when treating the thyroid. You also need results for FT4 & FT3. 75mcg of Levo is a small dose and is possibly causing LOW T3 - which in turn is causing your raised cholesterol.

How do you take your Levo/T4 ? Are you taking any other meds ?

[Bet117]

Hi Debbie,

I have had Hashimotos Hypo Thyroid since I am 28 and it is common in my family. My grandmother lived to 99 years old with it.

I take regular Synthroid not the generic.

My thoughts are for you and your parents to make an appointment and discuss this and diet with your prescribing doctor to determine what is causing the TSH to hit 4.95.

My thyroid results may stabilize for years than go up or down and after discussion, etc. with the doctor a medication adjustment is done. Avoid Soy and calcium products until at least 2 hours after taking your medication; what they told me.

Again, let the doctor advise you as everyone is different.

As far as cholesterol, yes, to my knowledge thyroid can affect it and diet does play a role as well. My cholesterol was elevated for years but not out of control. I don't eat red meats and have gone plant based to work with this.

Again, make an appointment with your doctor and bring in copies of your labs with anything flagging checked off and put it on the table for discussion, answers and put together an action plan to get everything normalized.

Please reach out and let me know the outcome. It is a nuisance, but should not be ignored.

In your corner!

Bet

[sos007 Ambassador]

Sweets are your issue. Sugar slows down your metabolism and lowers your thyroid function. It also increases triglycerides which results in increased production of LDL-Cholesterol.

Thin and active are necessary but insufficient, on their own, for good health. A nutritious diet is critical. Follow the Mediterranean Diet which is a plant-based diet, high in legumes and cruciferous vegetables which increase your B-vitamins. A lack of b-vitamins can increase the risk of thrombosis (blood clots) which what triggers heart attacks and strokes.

Read my pinned post to the right side of this page:

"How I Conquered Heart-Disease and What I Have Learned in the Process".

I might add that sleep deprivation and stress also create an inflammatory state in the body and increase blood glucose levels which increase triglycerides. Focus on getting 8 hours of sleep and learn to reduce your daily stress through techniques such as mindfulness or meditation.

Watch these two videos:

youtu.be/RsFYee4li-w(Not working as expected?) Gut Reaction Part 1 – 20 minute Australian TV magazine show

youtu.be/p58rwLBgxNg(Not working as expected?) Gut Reaction Part 2 – 27 minutes

How the food we eat affects our immune system, MS, autism, hormones and mental health among other things.

Good luck.