Hi everyone...I have been away for a while...maybe I am not missed, but now back seeking advice!

Is this common among menopausal women? I am 50 with period off four months and on again and off again another several moths...very chanageable.....heat problems in family and recent blood showed LDL at 144 and HDL at 75...doc wants to put me on statins but a brief view at internet wisdom shows that statin have not been tested well for women nor their benefits confirmed to the extent that benefits outweigh side-effects.....what is going on with some of you...any advice on this? Joan

Hi Joan;

Welcome back!
I do not have an answer for you but would be most interested in hearing what the other ladies have to say as I have a battle with my chlolesterol too.

Hugs,
jeaninne

Cholesterol does have a tendency to rise during those hard to cope years. Along with a high LDL, I am going to assume your triglycerides may also be high? Limit your carbohydrates and increase any exercise routine. That should help. I know if I keep my carbohydrates below 100mg. It sure helps with my numbers!

thanks for the replies! My doc just "jumped" at the chance to put me on statins, but after reading hear and there on the internet, it seems statins have not been properly tested nor have yet with what have been tested, shown to be beneficial in reducing death from heart problems....hmmm...so I guess I will try the natural route...but I would like to have more specific testing....does anyone know the blood work I should ask for besides LDL and HDL and tryglicidries (sorry on spelling!)?

Joan

I have the same problem and won't go on statins. Try fish oil and diet and exercise. You HDL is excellent. What were you triglycerides? Look at the overall picture!!!

Yes, this is quite common during the meno process due to hormones. It happened to me too. My dr wanted me on meds too - no thanks. Here's what worked and continues to work for me - psyllium seed husks. I buy this (it's like a powder) at my local food coop and I mix about 2 tbsp in a glass of warm water and drink it (fast .... it will "gel up" in the glass otherwise -ick) and then drink another glass of (plain) warm water. Within a few months of doing this everyday all aspects of my choelestrol were STELLAR! My dr was incredulous! And, it's GREAT for your colon too - as it gets stuff out of your body. Granted, this does not taste like something you want to drink for pleasure -it's tastless and textured ... but it's AMAZING! My bro-in-law had overall cholestrol over 290 (!!!) and dr was very worried and wanted him on meds, etc. I told him to try this. 5 months later - his total is under 200 and his HDL and LDL and trigy's are all within "normal" . And to quote my poetic bro-in-law ..."that stuff takes like cr*p but man, does it work! My dr is now recommending it!"

Good luck! Kathleent

what exactly is in "psyllium seed husks?" Does it have niacin? Joan

Here is info from Wikipedia - the psyllium seed husks I buy are ground - they come in a container that looks like a round oatmeal container. The substance is powdery in nature. I buy it organic. The metamucil, etc (see below) have psyllium seed husk as an ingredient sometimes but there is SO many artifical stuff in that I don't touch it. I only use the pure psyllium seed husk. Feel free to PM me if you'd like. Good luck!

Psyllium seed husks also known as ispaghula, isabgol, or simply as psyllium, are portions of the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata, (genus Plantago), a native of India and Pakistan. They are soluble in water, expanding and becoming mucilaginous when wet.

Psyllium seed husks are indigestible in human beings and are often used as a source of dietary fiber. They are used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, and diarrhea. They are also used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit. The inert bulk of the husks helps provide a constant volume of solid material irrespective of other aspects of the diet or any disease condition of the gut. Some recent research is also showing them to be promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.[1]

The husks are used whole in their natural state, or dried and chopped or powdered for easier consumption. In either of these forms, one takes them by mixing them with water or another fluid. Sometimes they are combined with clay as a detoxification drink. They are also available in capsules. Over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements such as Metamucil, Colon Cleanse, Serutan, Fybogel, Bonvit, and Effersyllium have psyllium husks as their main ingredient. They may be combined with other ingredients (e.g., Blackstrap molasses is sometimes used with psyllium seed husks for its high mineral and vitamin content, as well as being an excellent carrier). A typical dose is one to three teaspoons per glass of water. Psyllium seeds can be used for the same purpose at a lower cost.

Possible adverse reactions include allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, especially among those who have had regular exposure to psyllium dust. Gastrointestinal tract obstruction may occur, especially for those with prior bowel surgeries or anatomic abnormalities, or if taken with inadequate amounts of water