17/07/2026
During perimenopause and menopause, it’s very common for cholesterol levels to rise as oestrogen levels decline. However, a high cholesterol result on its own does not determine your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Your overall cardiovascular risk should be assessed by considering many other factors, including your blood pressure, diabetes, smoking status, family history, weight, physical activity and your general health.
What’s more, cholesterol is not the enemy. It is an essential substance that your body needs to survive. Your liver produces most of the cholesterol your body requires because it is needed to make hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone and cortisol, as well as vitamin D, bile acids and the membranes of every cell in your body. Without cholesterol, life would not be possible.
Statins can be effective medication. However, not every woman with raised cholesterol needs a statin. In many cases, the priority should be to assess overall cardiovascular risk, optimise lifestyle, and, where appropriate, address oestrogen deficiency associated with menopause.
We don’t treat numbers. We treat people. Decisions are made on a comprehensive assestment and no isolated numbers .
