Cholesterol is typically classified as LDL and HDL. The acronym "LDL" stands for low-density lipoprotein -- the bad cholesterol. High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is the good kind. The main function of HDL is to help soak up excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and carry it to the liver, where it breaks down and is removed from the body, according to the National Institutes of Health. The level of HDL is different in women than in men.
Identification
The recommended HDL level for men is 40 milligrams per deciliter -- or mg/dL -- or higher. In women, the recommend level is 50 mg/dL or higher, Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist with the American Heart Association told "The Early Show" on CBS. Your levels can be checked in a standard blood test. In addition to your HDL reading, the test will give you your total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride reading. Triglycerides are substances that get stored in fat cells when calories consumed are not used for energy.
Significance
Under normal circumstances, high total cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol go hand in hand -- this determines an elevated disease risk. It's different with women, however. If a woman's total cholesterol is about four times her HDL level, her risk of heart disease skyrockets to up to five times, according to the Estronaut website, a forum on women's health.
Effects
Estrogen is a dominant female hormone essential for sexual characteristics and bone growth. During menopause, less estrogen is produced by the body, which causes a number of symptoms, such as breast tenderness, menstrual cycle irregularities and hot flashes. Menopause can also have an impact on HDL levels. Withdrawal of the natural estrogen that occurs in menopause leads to lower "good cholesterol" and higher "bad cholesterol" thus increasing the risk of heart disease, according to the Texas Heart Institute.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle habits play a part in cholesterol levels. Smoking for example, not only damages the lungs, but it also has a negative impact on HDL. Women who smoke and use oral contraceptives also greatly increase their risk of coronary heart disease and stroke compared with nonsmoking women who use oral contraceptives, according to the American Heart Association. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about cessation programs. As you quit, also avoid secondhand smoke as it is equally as dangerous.
Potential
Being overweight is a major risk factor for a number of health complications, including low HDL levels. To reduce your weight, cut back on your daily intake. The National Institutes of Health recommends not women should not go below 1,200 calories a day. Eat foods that are low in saturated fat, cholesterol and trans fats. Opt for fruits, vegetables, lean meats, beans, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.
Considerations
Physical activity is an important part of boosting HDL levels. Within two months of starting, frequent aerobic exercise can increase HDL cholesterol by about 5 percent in otherwise healthy sedentary adults, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Work out for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week; exercise with something you enjoy, such as running, elliptical training, indoor cycling, stair climbing, kickboxing or jumping rope.
