Cholesterol levels

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in all of the cells in our body. Our liver produces most of the cholesterol our body needs to function properly. Cholesterol travels through the blood on proteins called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol throughout the body:

• LDL cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol - LDL cholesterol builds up on the walls of your arteries causing plaque formation and atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart disease and stroke if left unchecked.


• HDL cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol - HDL cholesterol carries cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver which then flushes it from the body. Higher levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a lower risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

When getting your cholesterol checked, doctors assess:

• Total cholesterol - total amount of cholesterol in your blood, made up of LDL, HDL, and other lipoproteins


• LDL cholesterol


• HDL cholesterol


• Triglycerides - the main constituent of body fat in humans

So what are healthy cholesterol levels? Here are the general cholesterol level guidelines:

• Total cholesterol - Desirable is under 200 mg/dL. Borderline high is 200-239 mg/dL.


• LDL cholesterol - Optimal is under 100 mg/dL. Near optimal is 100-129 mg/dL. Borderline high is 130-159 mg/dL.


• HDL cholesterol - Low is under 40 mg/dL (men) or 50 mg/dL (women). Optimal is 60 mg/dL or higher.


• Triglycerides - Normal is under 150 mg/dL. Borderline high is 150-199 mg/dL.

If your cholesterol levels fall outside these ranges, your doctor may prescribe statin medications or recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to help normalize your lipid profile.

We offer complete cholesterol testing and care at Balance Hormone Clinic. Our expert physicians analyze your full lipid panel and risk factors and then work with you to create a customized treatment plan involving pharmaceutical or nutritional therapies to optimize cholesterol metabolism and cardiovascular health.

We go beyond just numbers to understand the deeper hormonal, immune and lifestyle factors influencing overall lipid homeostasis. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation! Mention this post for 10% off your first testing package.