I am a 33 year old female who weighs over 280lbs and is 5′8″. I have a cholesterol of 123, HDL-53, LDL-63, Triglycerides-35, and Chol/HDL ratio of 2.3. For the past year I have dealt with severe hair loss, brittle/dry hair, brittle nails, dry skin, low iron, and niacin sensitivity. My doctor doesn’t know what is wrong with me but stated that my body isn’t metabolizing nutrients. She’s concerned, I’m concerned and I don’t know what to do. My A1C levels are normal but I have been diagnosed as insulin resistant. All other hematology results are within normal range. Is this normal? I’m very concerned. I have also noticed a significant change in my memory, cognitive abilities, and speech patterns (I’m starting to slur words). I am also experiencing a lot of pain in my back, legs, and neck. My diet is one that is not full of fast food and/or do I drink sodas, coffee or the like. I eat primarily organic, natural foods and stay away from processed/packaged foods. On paper I look healthy but if you saw me, you would think otherwise. Please help me. Thank you.

Posted by: Maria/MD Health Forum.com Team

Cholesterol is an essential component of the cell membranes. This compound has a number of important functions: it plays a role in hormone production, synthesis of bile acids, absorption of vitamins, maintaining the integrity of cell membrane and cell signaling– meaning the ability of your cells to communicate with each other- and it also helps in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Abnormally low levels of cholesterol is called hypocholesterolemia, it may be secondary to underlying disorders such as chronic infections, hyperthyroidism, cancers, malnutrition and malabsorption. There are rare inherited diseases that cause low cholesterol readings, namely betalipoproteinemia and hypobetalipoproteinemia, total cholesterol levels of people with these conditions may fall below 50 mg/dL.
Normal lipid profile values are as follows:
LDL: 60 - 130 mg/dL
HDL: greater than 40 mg/dL
Total cholesterol: less than 200 mg/dL
Triglycerides: 10 - 150 mg/dL
Cholesterol/HDL ratio- <4
I’ve read that a total cholesterol level below 160 mg/dL can be classified as hypocholesterolemia. It is important to identify what has been causing you to have low cholesterol reading. I recommend that you consult an endocrinologist regarding your condition. Correcting cholesterol levels is possible once the underlying disorder is addressed. Some studies have linked hypocholesterolemia with depression and cerebral hemorrhage.

If you have low iron, it may be a contributing factor to hair loss and brittle nails. However, there are still many possible causes. You should talk to your doctor about the neurological symptoms that you have been experiencing and you may be referred to a neurologist. More than a hundred health conditions may manifest as slurred speech, a specialist’s evaluation is therefore, imperative.

This blog entry is for your general information only. I recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your own doctor.

Reference:
Criqui MH. (1994). Very Low Cholesterol and Cholesterol Lowering. Leaflet 71-0059. American Heart Association
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003491.htm accessed 28.3.09
http://uimc.discoveryhospital.com/main.php?id=1514 accessed 28.3.09

Tags: anemia, cholesterol, hypocholesterolemia, low cholesterol, triglyceride