I just got back lab results and my cholesterol is high. It has been since I was in my 20's (I'm now 40), and there is a family history of heart disease. But, usually the ratios and triglyceride levels have been ok. My doctor now wants to put me on Lovastatin. I've just weaned my 19 month old 3 days ago (blood work was 2 weeks ago). Just wondering if anyone had their cholesterol go down after breastfeeding or has taken Lovastatin. I hate to take drugs, but with a family history of heart disease, I want to do what's right. I also have started exercising regularly and my diet is pretty healthy. I'm open to advice on alternative options to lowering my cholesterol.
I have been told that while you are pregnant and while you are breast feeding your cholesterol levels may be increased. I had my cholesterol checked a few months after my first baby and it was very high. I also have a history of heart disease in my family and should be on medication. To be honest, I was supposed to go back for another test 6 mos. later but never did. Then I got pregnant with baby #2 and now that we are done having kids, I know I should go back in. I am scheduled for Nov. Hopefully it is better.
Did you talk to your doctor and tell them you were breast feeding? It may change now that you have stopped. Maybe go back in 6 mos and see if it has dropped. If it has, maybe talk to the doc about not taking the medication anymore and just monitoring it. We need to take care of ourselves and with heart disease being the number one killer of women we need to do this. Me too. Good luck.
Hi Lisa:
I'm sorry to hear about your negative results on your cholesterol level. I can't tell you,wether or not mine went up after breast feeding,but I can tell you, that my family has a history of heart disease also. We lost my brother at the age of 58 as a result, and recently, my sister and I were tested, and told we had heart problems and high cholesterol also. The Doctor imediately put us on a Statin drug to lower our cholesterol, I do question her urgency,as I take thyroid every day, and if its off, your cholesterol will read higher.It was only (after) she put me on the statin, that she tested and realized my thyroid was off whack. What I didn't like hearing,was that once I was on the medication,I could not go off. I haven't seen a heart specialist as yet, but It's my intention to inquire,about alternatives, as I've heard the Statins can create other problems for me, up the road. It just doesn't sound real practical, to take a drug for one ailment,with the possibility of destroying my kidneys years from now.Your left with A (damned if you do" damned if you don't" senario. I have done some research, on the internet, and have interest in some of the natural remedies for lowering cholesterol, such as the (New Chelation miracle) Very interesting reading by the way. I don't know if the benifits are the same, since heart disease may be the primary cause of my test results, but the (Chelation reportedly flushed out dangerous plaque,that was clogging some patients arteries. Like you,and millions of other patients,I resent being a test dummy and will continue to research, and may simply decide to visit a Physician who practices natural cures.Also on your search,look up (Natural news/ Tim Russert story. The famous NBC commentator who was on Statins. They explain why he passed away at the young age of 58. Please feel free to contact me any time,and let me know what you think of the info on the (new chelation miracle)I wish you the very best Lisa.
YES!!! And this is normal. We had decided to get life insurance after our daughter was born. They came to the house and did our blood tests etc. When they came back to us, they doubled my premium because my cholesterol was high.
I took the results to my Dr. who said it was completely asinine that they even tested me after having a baby and breast feeding. He said "I wish mine looked as good as yours". He said nothing to worry about.
Not so sure I would do those drugs, they all just push drugs these days. My mother-in-law has terrible refulx, they put her on $100/week (her cost) pills. She ended up going off, stop eating gluten etc, and she has been perfect!
Anyway, my Dr. told me a few things to help lower it(I don't remember all of it)....do not eat anything with High Fruitose Corn Syrup in the first 5 ingredients (it is shocking how many things this is). You can eat Oatmeal in the AM, that is a great help. Omega Oil pills will do amazing things for you. I personally suggest the Nordic Naturals brand, butI am sure another cheaper brand would work too. Just ask at Henry's or Sprouts or wherever you go.
If you Google, how to lower cholesterol without medication you will get a lot of good stuff.http://www.prevention.com/cda/article/the-ten-commandments-of-cholesterol-control/33b872e50d803110VgnVCM10000013281eac____/health/conditions.treatments/cholesterol
Good luck!