Discussion Board

I've just received my blood test results. To be frank I had cholesterol and trigliceride level checked for the first time in my life (I'm 32).

I've been on this WOE for almost 5 months, following sort of a cross between the regular and MWL programmes. My weight loss has been really slow, but I don't mind - I wasn't even overweight to begin with. And even before McDougalling my diet was almost vegan (with an occasional piece of goat cheese - maybe 6-8 times/ year - but no other animal products).

So I am really surprised by discovering that my total cholesterol is now 208!
I have no previous results to compare, but definitely I hadn't expected such a high number.
My trigliceride level seems fine - 77.

I will be seeing my doctor next week, but I'm wondering what might be the reason of such cholesterol result.

I have also had frequent headaches - not very severe, but practically every day. So annoying....

Good thing is that I have been off antidepressants for almost 5 months and although I might complain a bit about a rather low energy level, when it comes strictly to my mood I feel not depressed at all


Has any of Mcdougallers experieced similar symptoms and knows the reason? I would be grateful for any hints.

If it's not diet-related, it's possible that it's genetic. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/hypercholesterolemia

Since this is the very first time you've had your cholesterol checked, you may want to stay on plan and get the numbers checked 3 months from now. You may have had really high cholesterol that has been slowly dropping. It's impossible to say. I have no idea what could cause the headaches. There may be a food allergy or intollerance or maybe you have a deficiency. Have you had your iron, B12, and D levels checked?

Michael

If your triglycerides are that low I would be surprised, if you are eating healthfully, that your cholesterol is high. Have it checked in a couple of months. Don't forget--labs can make mistakes.

Didi

I agree with the other posters that you should have your cholesterol checked again in a couple of months. However, since they'll already be taking your blood to check your cholesterol then you may also want to have them check your TSH levels for your thyroid. Low thyroid levels (hypothyroidism) can cause chronic headaches and high cholesterol among several other things. Can't hurt to have it checked. I've read that anywhere from 1 in 6 people to 1 in 10 people have thyroid issues... most just don't know it. Hopefully all works out for you!

thank you all for your suggestions

I have seen my doc - she supposes the cholesterol result must be genetic. As for headaches - obviously she has no idea.

I had my TSH level checked with the result of 2.34 - so it seems to be well within norm.

I also had my eye sight re-checked: I had an idea that maybe it had worsened, but it didn't.


I'm going to repeat cholesterol level in about 3 months, I hope it will be dropping. By then I should have saved enough money to afford having also vitamines B12 and D checked. The two are very expensive.

I do not know what to do about the headaches. I still have them almost every day. I do not eat anything now that I hadn't been eating previously, so I have no clue what could possibly cause them. Of course it doesn't have to be food related, but I still have no clue

Was that a fasting cholesterol check? I.e., had you fasted completely (no food) for at least 12 hours prior to the test? Cholesterol is affected by food intake and even food that doesn't contain cholesterol can affect the result. All cholesterol/tri screenings should be fasting.

Otherwise, since you had no previous results taken, your cholesterol probably used to be EVEN HIGHER! Keep on plan, really watch fat intake, and re-do in 6 mos.