When “High” Cholesterol Isn’t the Whole Story
Cholesterol is one of the most misunderstood markers on a lab report. Many women open their patient portal, see a red flag, and immediately assume something is wrong. I understand that reaction more than you may think.
Recently, I went through the familiar experience of finding a new Primary Care Provider and getting updated lab work. Even though I can interpret my own labs, that little jolt of health anxiety still shows up if something comes back flagged.
This time, it was my cholesterol.
According to my chart, my cholesterol was “high.”
And here is what I did about it: nothing.
Yes, the number was one point above the cutoff, which was enough to turn it red. This is where so many women in my office begin to panic or are offered medication before anyone looks at the full picture. But the bigger picture is exactly where clarity lives.
Looking Beyond the Red Flag
When I reviewed my labs the same way I do for my patients, the story made perfect sense.
My triglycerides looked great.
My HDL, which is the protective and beneficial form of cholesterol, was well within the therapeutic range.
My LDLs had crept up, but for me, that rise is actually encouraging.
After bariatric surgery and without a gallbladder, my body has struggled to digest and absorb fats for years. Seeing a slight increase in LDLs tells me that the digestive support I have been using is finally working. My body is absorbing and using fats again, which is essential for hormone production, brain health, and cellular repair.
Low cholesterol is not always good. In fact, cholesterol that is too low can create its own set of problems.
The Role of Stress on Cholesterol
I also know that the past few months have been stressful. About eight weeks ago, I went through a particularly intense stretch, and my body is still recalibrating from that experience.
Cholesterol responds to stress. When the body is under pressure, the liver produces more cholesterol because it is used to make hormones, repair tissues, and support the nervous system. This means your cholesterol can shift because of life circumstances, not simply dietary choices.
The Questions I Always Ask
When something on your lab report shows up as “off,” it is natural to worry. But before reacting, I always ask the same questions I pose to my patients:
What has changed recently?
What else is happening in your body right now?
Does this result match the bigger story, or is it just a single snapshot in time?
Lab data is powerful, but it needs context. A red flag does not automatically mean something is wrong. Sometimes it means your body is doing exactly what it needs to do.
Why I Am Not Fixing My Cholesterol
So, for now, I am not doing anything to “fix” my cholesterol. I will check it again in a few months when I retest the markers that actually need attention, like ferritin. That conversation will be its own article soon.
If you have ever opened your lab report and felt your stomach drop, you are not alone. It is very easy to fixate on one number and miss the full story your body is trying to tell you.
This is why I love looking at labs through a foundational, holistic lens. It allows us to connect all the dots rather than reacting to every red highlight.
Numbers matter, but context matters more.
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