After my last yearly physical my cholesterol numbers where high and they made a significant jump from the last two years. I just don't know why. I am 40 years old, 5'4", I weigh between 115 - 120 all the time, I eat no red meat, almost no dairy and have for years and years, I exercise regulary ( I teach aerobics and lift weights), and I don't smoke and drink I moderatly. It seems that I am doing everything right. I do eat to much sugar but not so much that I gain weight because of the exercise.
Here are my numbers. 2002 HDL 57, LDL 116, Tri 104, Total 194. 2003 HLD 61, LDL 117, TRI 70, Total 192, and THIS YEAR 2004 HLD 81, LDL 145, TRI 116, Total 249. I just don't know what happened. The only thing that is different is that I started taking a low dose birth control pill about 5 months ago. On the Dr's report it says that I should try to lower my Cholesteral with diet and exercise and if that doesn't do it I should start Lipitor. I don't want to take a drug but I don't know what else I can add with diet and exercise. Help please.

Certain oral contraceptives can increase serum cholesterol levels. Some progestogens may elevate LDL. And changes in serum triglycerides have been reported in oral contraceptive users.
Since this is the only thing that's different in your life recently, it sure looks like this may be the culprit.

zuzu