Cholesterol numbers can, and do often fluctuate, more so in some individuals than in others. I also recall reading somewhere that, on average, total cholesterol levels tend to be higher during the cold winter months, although I am not certain of that. Has anyone else heard of this?

Your level of risk, and whether or not you need to take additional measures to deal with blood-lipid abnormalities, depends on more than simply what your total cholesterol or LDL level is. Your HDL and triglyceride levels must also be taken into consideration. If your TC/HDL ratio is generally around 4.0 or less, and your triglycerides are normal, then you may not have to do much of anything. On the other hand, if it is determined that your blood-lipid test results places you at "above average risk", then you should consider making some dietary changes, as well as pursuing safer alternatives, such as nutritional supplements before ever resorting to drug treatment therapy.

Unfortunately, many doctors nowadays have become far too trigger-happy when it comes to prescribing statin drugs to control cholesterol, without even considering the alternatives. Furthermore, more and more people with normal cholesterol readings are being given this drug as well. In my opinion, a great many people who are currently taking these drugs don't even need to be taking them. My advice would be to always pursue the safest options first, and reserve drug treatment therapy for last.