Cholesterol, Female Hormones & Your Health: What You Should Know

Welcome back my loving friend!

In my journey to better understand my body and take my health back into my own hands, I realized I had little understanding about cholesterol. 

I understood that too much in the body is harmful and I know high cholesterol runs in my family but when my doctor reviewed my blood panel, she said my numbers were oddly high and a direct result of my eating.

How could that be?! I barely have red meat and I’m constantly active! 

After a bit of research, I discovered there’s wayyyy more to cholesterol than simply eating fairly well and staying active.

And as always, I’m here to share it all with you.

What is Cholesterol and How Does It Work?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in your body and certain foods. Your liver makes most of it (hello? I made a whole liver health blog series?), and the rest comes from what you eat. 

It’s important because your body needs cholesterol to:

✔ Build healthy cells – Cholesterol is a key component of cell membranes, helping maintain their structure and allowing them to function properly.

✔ Produce vitamin D – When your skin is exposed to sunlight, cholesterol is converted into vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation.

✔ Create important hormones like estrogen and progesterone – These hormones regulate menstrual cycles, support reproductive health, and influence mood and metabolism. Cholesterol is the foundation for their production.

✔ Support brain function – Cholesterol is crucial for brain cells to communicate effectively. It plays a role in neurotransmitter function, memory, and cognitive health. Low cholesterol levels have even been linked to mood disorders like depression.

Is Cholesterol Bad?

Too much of the wrong kind of cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease along with other issues including the negative side effects that come with the management medication. This is where the balance of LDL and HDL cholesterol comes in.

• LDL ("bad" cholesterol): Too much can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries.

• HDL ("good" cholesterol): Helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream.

• Triglycerides: Another type of fat that, when high, can increase health risks.

How Women’s Hormones Affect Cholesterol

Cholesterol is not only impacted by food. Of course, diet and lifestyle affect everything, but it’s essential to have a deeper understanding of what's going on here.

Besides, so many medical studies are based on men and their hormones are completely different from a woman’s/people with a uterus.

Our bodies are constantly shifting, and hormones like estrogen and progesterone can influence cholesterol levels throughout life.

1. Estrogen – The Heart Protector

Estrogen is like a natural cholesterol balancer. It:

✔ Increases HDL ("good" cholesterol")

✔ Lowers LDL ("bad" cholesterol")

✔ Supports healthy blood vessels

This is why premenopausal women tend to have healthier cholesterol levels compared to men.

However, once menopause hits and estrogen declines, LDL levels often rise while HDL levels drop, increasing heart disease risk.

2. Progesterone – The Subtle Influencer

Progesterone’s effects on cholesterol aren’t as strong as estrogen’s, but it may slightly raise LDL and lower HDL. During the luteal phase (the second half of your menstrual cycle), your progesterone levels increase, which can lead to temporary shifts in cholesterol levels.

3. Birth Control 

• Combination birth control (estrogen + progestin) can improve cholesterol balance.

• Progestin-only pills or injections may slightly increase LDL and lower HDL.

  
  

4. Stress & Thyroid Health Matter Too!

• Chronic stress raises cortisol, which can increase LDL and lower HDL - more on this in a future post.

• Thyroid imbalances (especially hypothyroidism) can raise LDL levels. If you’re feeling sluggish, it’s worth checking your thyroid health.

How to Keep Your Cholesterol (and Hormones) Happy

Since hormones fluctuate naturally, focus on long-term lifestyle habits that support heart health:

✔ Eat healthy fats – Avocados, olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish boost good cholesterol.

✔ Get moving! – Yoga, walking, and strength training help maintain balance.

✔ Manage stress – Meditation and deep breathing lower cortisol levels.

✔ Prioritize fiber – Whole grains, veggies, and legumes help remove excess cholesterol.

✔ Get enough sleep – Poor sleep messes with your hormones and cholesterol.

Of course, these are simplified tips but I plan on delighting you with all that good in-depth information later.

Final Thoughts

Your body needs cholesterol, but balance is everything. By understanding how your hormones affect cholesterol levels, you can make empowered choices to support your long-term heart health. 💛

Take care, beautiful soul, and keep shining! ✨