You just got your annual labs back.
Your doctor tells you that your cholesterol is high—maybe for the first time in your life. You’re confused. You haven’t changed your diet. You’re still working out. Nothing seems different.
And now they’re recommending a statin medication to lower your cholesterol.
But something inside you says:
“Wait—what’s actually going on here?”
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone. At Antigravity Wellness, we help women in their 40s navigate exactly this scenario—because elevated lipids in midlife aren’t always a simple “bad diet” issue. In many cases, your hormones have everything to do with it.
Let’s unpack why this is happening, what your options are, and how to approach this with a holistic, root-cause mindset.
Why Cholesterol Often Rises in Your 40s
As women enter perimenopause, hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—fluctuate and begin to decline. What most women don’t realize is that these sex hormones play a critical role in lipid metabolism and cardiovascular protection.
Estrogen in particular:
- Increases HDL (the “good” cholesterol)
- Reduces LDL (the “bad” cholesterol)
- Supports blood vessel flexibility and endothelial function
- Helps regulate fat distribution and insulin sensitivity
So when estrogen begins to drop, particularly in the late 30s to mid-40s, you may notice:
- Rising LDL and total cholesterol
- Decreasing HDL
- An increase in triglycerides (especially if insulin is also high)
A 2020 study in The Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that perimenopausal women experience a sharp, natural rise in LDL and ApoB, even without changes in diet, weight, or physical activity (El Khoudary et al., 2020).
The Statin Question: Is It the Only Option?
Statins are commonly prescribed to reduce cholesterol and cardiovascular risk. And while they have a place—especially in high-risk populations—they come with potential side effects like:
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Brain fog or memory changes
- Increased risk of insulin resistance and diabetes
- Depletion of CoQ10, which your cells need for energy
A 2013 study in Diabetes Care linked long-term statin use in women to higher rates of insulin resistance and new-onset diabetes, especially in perimenopausal and postmenopausal populations (Culver et al., 2013).
Many women ask:
“Can I try other approaches before committing to a medication for life?”
The answer is yes.
But it requires a deeper dive into the root causes of your lipid changes—not just treating a lab number.
What Else Could Be Driving My Lipid Changes?
At Antigravity Wellness, we evaluate multiple layers beyond your standard lipid panel:
🧬 Hormones
- Low estrogen = reduced lipid clearance
- Low progesterone = impaired insulin signaling
- High cortisol = higher triglycerides and abdominal fat
🍽 Blood Sugar & Insulin
- Even “normal” labs can hide insulin resistance, which often precedes lipid elevation
- We often run fasting insulin, HbA1c, and continuous glucose monitoring
💥 Inflammation & Oxidation
- Elevated cholesterol isn’t the enemy—oxidized LDL and inflammation are
- We look at hsCRP, homocysteine, and fibrinogen levels
🦠 Gut & Liver Health
- The liver processes both hormones and cholesterol—if it’s congested or inflamed, lipid markers can shift
- Poor bile flow, fatty liver, and microbial imbalances are common contributors
So What Can I Do Instead?
We’ve helped hundreds of women lower their cholesterol and triglycerides naturally—without statins—by focusing on the foundations of hormonal and metabolic health.
Here’s what we typically focus on:
✅ A Whole Foods, Blood Sugar-Stabilizing Nutrition Plan
- Fiber-rich veggies, healthy fats, lean proteins
- Minimizing processed carbs and sugar
- Adding anti-inflammatory foods like flaxseed, turmeric, and wild fish
✅ Targeted Supplements
Depending on your labs and needs:
- Berberine – acts like natural metformin for blood sugar and lipids
- Omega-3s – lower triglycerides and inflammation
- Red yeast rice (with CoQ10) – natural statin-like effect for some
- DIM + liver support – helps balance estrogen metabolism
- Niacin, inositol, or plant sterols in certain cases
✅ Strength Training and Movement
- Improves insulin sensitivity and HDL
- Builds lean mass, which supports metabolism
✅ Nervous System & Sleep Support
- Cortisol imbalance can worsen lipid and glucose patterns
- We may use adaptogens, magnesium, or gentle hormone support to restore balance
✅ Hormone Therapy, If Indicated
- If you’re estrogen-deficient and at midlife, low-dose estradiol + progesterone can help improve your lipid profile and protect your cardiovascular system—especially if you’re within 10 years of menopause onset
The 2022 NAMS Position Statement affirms that hormone therapy started in early menopause may improve cholesterol levels, reduce central body fat, and lower cardiovascular risk in healthy women under 60.
Case Study: Meet “Kristin”
Name changed for privacy
Kristin, 46, came to Antigravity Wellness shocked that her labs now showed:
- Total cholesterol: 248
- LDL: 162
- Triglycerides: 140
- Fasting insulin: 12
Her doctor wanted to start her on a statin, but Kristin wanted a second opinion.
We dug deeper and found:
- Estrogen and progesterone both low
- SHBG low
- High cortisol pattern
- Signs of poor bile flow and sluggish liver detox
Her plan included:
- Berberine 500 mg 2x/day
- Omega-3s and magnesium glycinate
- Gentle liver detox and hormonal support
- A high-fiber, hormone-friendly diet
- Strength training 3x/week
By her 3-month follow-up, her lipids had dropped significantly:
- Total cholesterol: 206
- LDL: 132
- Triglycerides: 98
Her doctor was amazed—and she felt energized, lighter, and more focused than she had in years.
“I’m so glad I didn’t jump straight to the statin. I feel better than I have in years—and now I know what was actually going on.”
You Deserve More Than a Prescription Pad
If your labs just changed and you’re being handed a medication with no discussion of why, you’re right to pause and ask questions.
At Antigravity Wellness, we believe your labs are the start of the conversation—not the end. We’ll look deeper, ask better questions, and help you get your health—and confidence—back.
Ready to Explore What’s Really Driving Your Lipid Imbalance?
🎁 Start with our FREE 5-Day Hormone Reset Mini-Course
Learn how hormones and blood sugar impact your cholesterol, energy, and weight—and what to do about it.
Get it here: https://social.antigravitywellness.com/mini-course-freebie
👩⚕️ Want personalized lab review and a natural plan?
Book a Brief Initial Consult with Dr. Nicole Smith, DNP, FNP-C, to create a hormone-supportive strategy for your cholesterol, energy, and long-term heart health.
Book a call here: https://l.bttr.to/6lFHL
References:
- El Khoudary, S. R., et al. (2020). HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) metrics and menopause transition in women. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 75(23), 2853–2863.
- Culver, A. L., et al. (2013). Statin use and risk of diabetes mellitus in postmenopausal women. Diabetes Care, 36(10), 3242–3248.
- North American Menopause Society (NAMS). (2022). Hormone therapy position statement: Benefits and risks in menopausal women.
- Bairey Merz, C. N., et al. (2017). Cardiovascular disease in women: Contemporary perspectives. Circulation Research, 120(7), 1273–1293.
