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Sluggish thyroid cause of high cholestrol?

A routine blood test may reveal the cause of your high cholesterol level is your thyroid.

We know that foods such as butter and red meat can be contributors to a cholesterol problem. In some instances, however, diet is not the culprit. In some cases, your thyroid can be the cause of high cholesterol.

An estimated 10% of people who suffer with high cholesterol levels, also known as hypercholesterolemia, have an under active thyroid.  This butterfly-shaped gland, which is located in the neck, is responsible for regulating body growth and metabolism through the secretion of the hormone thyroxine. 

The slow down
An under active thyroid does not produce enough thyroxine to meet the body’s needs, and as a result, the metabolism slows down. The body’s ability to metabolize or to breakdown cholesterol is impaired by this reduction in thyroxine. In addition to elevated cholesterol, other symptoms of hypothyroidism include slow speech, fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, dry skin, and unusual sensitivity to cold.

It is estimated that 90% of people with hypothyroidism develop hypercholesterolemia. This phenomenon is most common among aging women, particularly after age 60.

The recommendation
The National Cholesterol Education Program and the Food and Drug Administration recommend thyroid testing for patients with high cholesterol. A routine blood test detects levels of TSH, thyroid-stimulating hormone, which determines whether the gland is functioning properly. If it is found that you have a thyroid condition, the cholesterol problem will most likely be alleviated through treatment with thyroid medication. Your doctor will most likely prescribe levothyroxine, which acts as a replacement for thyroid hormone.

It could be you
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists estimates about 13 million people in the United States have thyroid disease, but half remain undiagnosed.  Other thyroid diseases include goiter, enlargement of the thyroid, and hyperthyroidism -- an overactive thyroid gland that causes weight loss – irritability, and an irregular heart beat. Speak with your doctor about having your thyroid levels tested. If indeed your thyroid is under active, you may have found your cause of high cholesterol. If your levels are not normal, together you can decide on a plan to reduce your risk of further complications.