High Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
Cardiovascular protection with individualized targets
What it is
Dyslipidemia is an alteration in blood fat levels: elevated LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides or low HDL. It causes no symptoms, but it promotes plaque buildup in the arteries and is one of the main risk factors for heart attack and stroke. In women, cholesterol tends to rise after menopause, when estrogen's protective effect decreases. Some cases have a genetic origin, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, while others are linked to diet, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetes and hypothyroidism. Treatment with the endocrinologist sets targets according to each patient's cardiovascular risk, combining lifestyle changes and, when necessary, safe and effective medications.
Most common symptoms
- In most cases, no symptoms at all
- Xanthelasmas: small yellowish patches on the eyelids
- Abdominal pain when triglycerides are very high
- A whitish ring around the cornea in younger people
- Chest pain on exertion, a sign of plaque buildup
Causes and risk factors
- Genetic predisposition, such as familial hypercholesterolemia
- A diet high in saturated fat, sugar and alcohol
- A sedentary lifestyle and excess weight
- Diabetes, hypothyroidism and kidney or liver disease
- Menopause and use of certain medications
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is made through the lipid profile, a blood test that measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, non-HDL and triglycerides. The endocrinologist interprets the results together with age, blood pressure, smoking status, presence of diabetes and family history, to estimate cardiovascular risk and set each patient's LDL target. Glucose, thyroid, kidney and liver tests help identify secondary causes. When LDL is very high or there is early heart attack in the family, familial hypercholesterolemia is investigated. In selected cases, a coronary calcium score refines the risk assessment.
How we treat it at Femi Saúde
The first step is lifestyle change: a diet with less saturated fat and fewer ultra-processed foods, more fiber and vegetables, regular physical activity, reduced alcohol intake and quitting smoking. When the target isn't reached, or when cardiovascular risk is high from the start, statins are the first-choice treatment, with other drug classes added if needed. Very high triglycerides require stricter control of sugar and alcohol and, sometimes, specific medication. With periodic testing, the endocrinology team at Femi Saúde tracks the response, adjusts doses and advises on any side effects, always respecting the patient's routine.
When to see a gynecologist
See your endocrinologist if a test showed elevated LDL cholesterol or triglycerides, if there is early heart attack or stroke in your family, if you have diabetes, hypertension or excess weight, or if you've entered menopause and haven't yet had your lipid profile checked. Also see one if you already take cholesterol medication and experience side effects or haven't reached your target.
What we offer
Endocrinology specialists
Endocrinology treatments at Femi Saúde
Metabolic and Hormonal Assessment
A complete check-up of metabolism and hormones
Medically Supervised Weight Loss
Safe, science-based weight loss
Hypothyroidism
When the thyroid works too slowly
Hyperthyroidism
When the thyroid produces too much hormone
Thyroid Nodules
Careful evaluation, without alarm
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
The most common autoimmune cause of hypothyroidism
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