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26 years
My High LDL could be from the Thyroid Gland or from my liver.I'll do the thyroid test next week. What's the easiest case? Side Effects of medications?
Aug 12, 2015

Dr. Zakia Dimassi Pediatrics
Hypothyroidism (poor thyroid gland function whereby the thyroid gland does not manufacture and secrete enough thyroid hormones) is known to induce disturbances in the blood lipids (cause elevation in the total cholesterol and LDL); treating hypothyroidism should reverse this elevation in LDL. In the case of medication adverse effect, such as steroids (especially anabolic steroids), the discontinuation of the use of the culprit medication should allow for the reversal of this effect.
Should the above conditions not explain the elevation in LDL, then it may be a problem in fat metabolism causing the LDL to increase. In such cases, we look for a family history of cholesterol problems (medical term: dislipidemia), we set a plan for lifestyle modifications including an alimentary diet/weight loss plan if needed, exercise program, limitation of alcohol, quitting smoking. If however the LDL level is significantly elevated and in the presence of family history of diseases like diabetes, heart disease or hypertension, the treating physician may consider instituting medical treatment with statins.
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