Thyroxine and high cholesterol - what to take?

[mrsmootoo]

I've taken thyroxine for years (currently 100mcg). My annual blood tests always show high bad cholesterol - about 7+. They always want to put me on statins. I refuse! Are there any good alternatives? People have recommended Benecol, Lecithin, Bergamot? Any personal experience of these working? Thanks

I am in exactly the same boat. Have been on thyroxine over 10 years, cholesterol very high. I am going back to GP in January for more bloods and see how I'm getting on, if still high I am taking the statin. I have overhauled my diet and am now not eating red meat, butter or cheese and only fat-free yoghurt. Lots of avocados, oily fish and oats. I am also having one of the cholesterol-reducing yoghurt drinks every day - Asda own brand as I'm too tight fisted to buy the Benecol ones.

Not sure if it's having an effect or not, but I am losing weight which has to be a positive.

Why are you so reluctant to use the statins?

Thyroxine here too. Of long standing. My cholesterol in August was 7.8. I decided to try to lower it through diet first mainly because my blood pressure is normal, no sign of diabetes and no heart disease in the family so my Q3 risk is low (look it up).

I cut out saturated and trans fats using olive oil or benecol instead.

Red meat just once a week.

No refined carbs: white flour, sugar, pasta. I also significant reduced wheat. Wholewheat pasta once a fortnight, one slice of wholemeal toast a week.

Increases fruit and vegetables.

In October my cholesterol was down to 5.6 and the ratios were much improved.

I have also lost 25lb and every ache and pain and bit of eczema has disappeared.

Statins have a place if indicated but they are not the default.

Just don't want to take medication if there are other ways. 😀

It's good to hear your experiences @RosesAndHellebores . My cholesterol was measured at 7.9 in October, I had gone to GP about my HRT and she had spotted the xanthelasma marks under my eyes, have had these a good 3 years but every contact with a doctor over that period was over the phone. She ran lots of bloods which flagged up high cholesterol but my blood pressure, sugars and everything else fine. I was quite shocked but having read up on it, there is a definite link between underactive thyroid, even medicated, and high cholesterol.

I am too scared of what it is doing me to eat the stuff I used to. Things like cheese, pizza, cake and chocolate. Have lost 5kg since October which has to be a good thing, even if it's not affecting cholesterol. Back for more bloods mid Jan and another chat with doctor to see how things are going. It is very encouraging to hear that you have had such good results with lifestyle changes.

@CharityShopChic I am also taking sterols, vitD and garlic tablets.

@CharityShopChic and well done on your weight loss.

Thank you - I am doing sort of my own version of intermittent fasting. No breakfast, usually a bowl of overnight oats with banana at lunch, proper dinner. Works for me.