07/01/2025
Hormones & Cholesterol — Understanding the Connection
🧬 What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance made by the liver that is essential for many important functions in the body, including:
• Building cell membranes
• Supporting brain function
• Producing hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and cortisol
• Creating bile acids to digest fats
💡 Did You Know?
Your body needs cholesterol to make hormones. When hormone levels drop — such as during perimenopause or menopause — your body may naturally raise cholesterol to compensate and try to maintain hormone production.
🔗 The Link Between Hormones and Cholesterol
1. Estrogen Decline = Cholesterol Increase
Estrogen helps regulate your cholesterol levels. When estrogen drops (as it does during menopause or perimenopause), your LDL (bad cholesterol) can rise, and your HDL (good cholesterol) may drop.
2. Cholesterol Is a Hormone Precursor
Cholesterol is the building block for all steroid hormones. If your body senses low hormone levels, it may increase cholesterol to try to make more.
3. Hormone Depletion Can Alter Lipid Metabolism
Without enough estrogen, the liver processes fats differently — leading to higher levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.
4. Low Progesterone and Testosterone
These hormones also play roles in how your body uses and stores fat. Imbalances can contribute to weight gain, bloating, and changes in cholesterol ratios.
💊 How BHRT May Help
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can:
• Restore balance in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone
• Improve lipid profiles by supporting how your liver processes cholesterol
• Reduce cardiovascular risk when monitored appropriately
• Help reverse the compensatory rise in cholesterol caused by hormone depletion
❤️ What You Can Do
• Have your hormone and cholesterol levels checked regularly
• Consider BHRT if you're experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance
• Eat heart-healthy foods (fiber, leafy greens, fatty fish, olive oil)
• Supplement with omega-3s, magnesium, vitamin D, and B-complex
• Engage in regular physical activity and manage stress
🔎 Key Takeaway
If your cholesterol is elevated and you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, night sweats, mood swings, or low libido — it may not just be a heart issue. It could be your body asking for hormonal support.
Let’s work together to identify the root cause and create a personalized plan to help you feel your best.
Questions?
📞 Call us at 301-450-4044
🌐 Visit us: www.patuxentwellness.com
Patuxent Integrated Wellness Center
Your partner in restoring balance from the inside out.
We are dedicated to providing patient-centered care focused on your overall well-being. We specialize in medical weight loss and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), tailored to help you achieve your health goals and maintain a balanced, vibrant life.