Can Hypothyroidism Cause High Cholesterol

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Can Hypothyroidism Cause High Cholesterol?

Can hypothyroidism cause high cholesterol? I've was sick for about a month. Thankfully, I healed besides the sore muscles from coughing. I had bronchitis, which required two rounds of antibiotics, steroids, inhalers, lots of Nyquil, and driving my girls to school in my pajamas. I had been on a three-month waiting list to get a new primary care physician by my new home. Which is downright ridiculous waiting that long to see a doctor! 

So, I ended up in Urgent Care with a doctor who spent two seconds checking me out. Finally, at the tail end of my sickness, my appointment with my new Doctor rolled around. Since we never met, the Doctor did tons of blood work on me. I had been feeling a little off. I've heard about women gaining weight after 40, so I had figured that's why I had gained a few pounds even though I had been eating healthy. 

My test results were emailed to me and sent me into a fit of worry. My cholesterol was borderline high (update, it's perfect). This girl who eats healthy, exercises, and spends most of her time overthinking about her weight (due to anxiety) was at risk.  Then I noticed something else; my thyroid was borderline low. Hmm, makes sense with the weight gain and dry skin. Can hypothyroidism cause high cholesterol? Yes, my doctor advised me that my cholesterol could be high because my thyroid is low. 

Seriously, scary. If I had not had all of that blood, work I could have been right around the corner from having a heart attack. Life is a fleeting moment! It's here today, but can be gone tomorrow. We need to care for ourselves. We need to make time for that checkup. That one time we skip our Doctor appointment could be the end of life as we know it. My problem is still not solved, (update, it was because I didn't fast first). I have to have another round of blood work in December. As I'm typing this a friend of mine is in the hospital battling her body for her health. At 41, this is a wake-up call. Sometimes I feel we think we're invincible. So, not true.

Foods to Help Lower Cholesterol

While I'm waiting for my next round of tests, I looked up foods to help lower cholesterol. I'm trying to eat as normal as possible, so I don't change the results, but I can't wait for them to up my thyroid medication so I can begin to feel better!   Fish is terrific for helping to lower your cholesterol. If you don't like fish, you might want to try taking a fish oil supplement. Fish oil is also helpful for hair growth and arthritis. 








   Foods that are high in fiber are useful to lower cholesterol. These Quest Bars are my favorite. I eat them every morning for breakfast. The bars have 14G of fiber which is a nice and healthy dose.


 Red wine is supposed to work well at lowering cholesterol. Now, I'm not saying to drink a bottle. A serving is about 5 ounces. Red wine and I need to become friends again.

   Almonds are a powerhouse in foods, and they're also believed to lower cholesterol. Here's the thing some people might not be aware of, you need to wash them. Almonds are filthy. So grab a handful, wash, and then enjoy!

 Can Hypothyroidism Cause High Cholesterol?

I sure wasn't aware that it could! Do you have any tips for dealing with high cholesterol or low thyroid? I would love to hear from you!