Appt at Lipids Clinic and discussion about thyroid levels

[JackyGT]

So I had an appointment this morning at the Lipids Clinic, referred by GP, as total cholesterol was 8.7, when annual thyroid bloods taken earlier this year.

I said to GP that I didn’t want to automatically go onto statins because of counter-indications and that I thought perhaps I should increase my dose of thyroxine as previously my cholesterol level had dropped when Levo was increased due to other symptoms.

GP has referred me to an endocrinologist and we all know how that will probably go 🙄 (appointment for that is not until July next year anyway). In meantime GP wants to rule out any genetic links as there is some history of heart disease in family so top marks for that.

So today Dr at Lipids Clinic ‘gave me a lesson’ on cholesterol and how good statins are and how unlikely side effect are unless my TSH goes up to 100!! They are going to do all the genetic tests, which is great, but there was a lot of pressure to take statins (and some fear mongering)and dismissal of any controversy about the benefits of statins.

Results of these tests take 6-8 weeks so will have another appointment then to make a decision.

I went in there sure I wouldn’t be taking statins but they make you doubt your own convictions. What to do?? Still, I suppose I have a few weeks to think/worry about it.

[Kacey12]

I am the same age as you, JackyGT! Never been offered statins but would refuse them. They are not recommended for people with hypothyroidism anyway. But just Google anything by Dr Malcolm Kendrick, Dr Aseem Malhotra or Zoe Harcombe to get the other side of the statins debate!

[Hidden]

Hi JackyGT

I knew a person who was on statins for cholesterol and had to have regular liver tests due to the statin side-effects.

There's an old book called, "The 8-week cholesterol cure" by Dr Robert Kowalski which is very informative on different foods to eat to reduce cholesterol.

Agree with you that helping your thyroid will help your cholesterol levels.

[Batty1]

My cholesterol jumped to crazy levels after my thyroidectomy and the Endo does not see the connection and neither did my GP (not shocked) and I was offered 3 different statins and all 3 caused me problems. I started grinding my own flaxseed and adding it to my veggie and fruit smoothie every morning and last time I had my cholesterol checked my numbers dropped by 12 points which isn’t a lot but its at least something … Ive been using flaxseed a lot longer now so I’m hoping to see a larger drop in my cholesterol.

[JackyGT in reply to Batty1]

I do already have some flaxseed in my diet but not a great amount. Good idea to increase intake and see if any effect.

[Batty1 in reply to JackyGT]

Its best to grind your own or use already grounded… don’t use the liquid flax apparently this isn’t the best.

[arTistapple in reply to Batty1]

Batty1 that’s very interesting. Dr. Myhill talks about using your own ground flax. I have bought it and not got around to using it yet. Every time drs try to put me on statins I have refused. When I started levo my level dropped from 9.9to 6.8 with no other intervention. Still I must try the flax, even just to see what happens. It’s very boring when they try to get you to take statins when they are not recommended for hypos and apparently people with higher cholesterol live longer. They should do a bit of reading themselves and stop this nonsense.

[ItalyCrazy]

Hi, I too have this dilemma! A 65 wait to see lipidologist! Gp started me on atorvastatin on advice from consultant while waiting for appointment. I too feel pressured but started a week ago. Also gave hypothyroidism so quite anxious about it all. Feeling achy and headaches but told to persevere! Maybe anxiety related- the nocebo effect apparently! Did you see a private lipidologist? Keep me informed

[JackyGT in reply to ItalyCrazy]

You have my sympathy. I have just recently received a report from the Lipids clinic as a summary of my first appointment whilst they await the results of the genetic tests. It was interesting/concerning to note that as part of his Outcome/Summary he states “I do not think that her background of hypothyroidism has a significant effect on her lipid profile currently.” How on earth does he know that unless they do a test, as I suggested, and just increase my Levo to 75mg daily (I’m only on 75 mg/2 days and 50 mg/1 day). Twice, in the recent past, my cholesterol level has dropped from 8 to around 6 when this was agreed 🙄. Anyway we will see what what the genetic tests show before I get into that argument again.

[ItalyCrazy in reply to JackyGT]

It is quite wearing isn’t it! I just wish I could sit down with someone who considers all conditions and test results as a whole. My lipids were never normal but went above the threshold for referral to lipid clinic for possible FH. Why all of a sudden. Each gp has a different view so you feel at a loss to understand! One says overall risk factor counts including bp etc but others say cholesterol alone if genetic is a bigger factor. I’m fed up with it all🤣😬 do keep in touch and know you’re not alone in this situation… it’s good to have others who understand. Enjoy your weekend😁

[ItalyCrazy in reply to ItalyCrazy]

Interesting though I reduced my ldl and tv by 10% and tryglicerides by 26% in 12 weeks by cutting out biscuits and the like! On these figures I would not have been referred but still told I must start statins! Enough ranting🤣.

[ItalyCrazy in reply to JackyGT]

Took 8 days of atorvastatin and had to stop due to severe muscle and Joint pain. Started after one day and got worse daily. Urgent bloods ordered and it’s taken 12 days to feel as I did before starting them! Hypothyroidism and statins are a difficult mix. I tried to raise concerns about this but was told so long as it’s treated it’s ok to take statins. Bloods were within range but not optimal. Have to wait 6 weeks and ‘re-challenge myself on statins😡. I’m going to ask to try a different one but not happy about it. Want my t3 checked but that isn’t a routine test apparently!! So frustrated and despondent about it all. Trying to find a private lipidologist but they are like hens teeth!! Maybe and endocrinologist… I really don’t know 😡. I have friend who are hypo who can’t tolerate statins eitt try her so it can’t be just me! Have a good weekend and hope it’s not too hot where you are 🥵.

[ItalyCrazy]

tc not tv!

[Pebbles33]

Hi Jacky I am in exactly the same boat. Understand how you feel. I’ve got an appointment in October at the damn lipid clinic. Like you my cholesterol was high at 7.1 but then an increase in Levothyroxine and a slight change in diet went down to 5.6 in 2 months. Based on new readings I asked if I still needed to attend hospital appointment and told I should. I really don’t want statins either makes me wonder why they’re so keen to hand them out like smarties these days! I read once it was something to do with profit from drug companies! Another annoying thing is I have a friend who has high BP and cholesterol of 7.6 and her GP hasn’t sent her to any clinic! In fact most people I speak to have high Cholesterol! Please let me know how you get on and all the best.

[JackyGT in reply to Pebbles33]

Thank you for letting me know - I’ll update you when I have more info … it’s so frustrating

[Pebbles33]

Thanks Jacky all the bestx

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