Depression from too low cholesterol - High Cholesterol Message Board

Lady50 · 10-17-2005, 07:57 AM

I just found out today that you can have depression with too low a cholesterol. Has anyone had this problem?

Just trying to find out how much is too low. I have been on this very strict no cholesterol diet. So, don't want to get it too low.

Almost 2 months ago it was 269, because of a thyroid problem I have.

Tobias · 10-17-2005, 09:59 AM

The study that showed a link between high scores on measures of depression and anxiety and a low cholesterol reading was done on healthy young women (ages 18-27). The study's definition of "low" was below 160; normal between 180-200; high 200+.

With a current reading of 269, I don't think you have to worry about getting that low on diet alone. It is conceivable that changes in diet, lifestyle, and the addition of a statin to your treatment might eventually bring your reading that low.

Here's a link to the complete article.
http://www.dukemednews.org/news/article.php?id=387

Moxie75 · 10-17-2005, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady50

I just found out today that you can have depression with too low a cholesterol. Has anyone had this problem?

Just trying to find out how much is too low. I have been on this very strict no cholesterol diet. So, don't want to get it too low.

Almost 2 months ago it was 269, because of a thyroid problem I have.

it is true that too low causes depression but yours is no where near low so I would not worry about it being that for you...Lisa

Lady50 · 10-17-2005, 12:16 PM

Thank you for your advice. Last year it was 304, so it is a bit better.

NHone · 10-17-2005, 07:35 PM

Yes you can have depression from low cholesterol. You can also be suicidal, or agressive. Cholesterol is required for the "feel good" neurotransmitter serotonin. Thyroid problems can cause high cholesterol. Be careful with a "very strict" no cholesterol diet. Your body needs a new supply of cholesterol everyday for proper function. I would never start on cholesterol lowering medications period. However it has also been proven that cholesterol lowering medications in women have not been shown to decrease mortality. You might want to look up egg yolk. It is one of the most important parts of the egg. You will be surprised how much benifit it can provide you, regardless of how much the cholesterol "experts " tell you.