There are several types of birth control and certain forms can have a direct effect on cholesterol levels. The pill is the most common form of birth control that can affect cholesterol readings. If you suffer from high cholesterol, speak with your doctor regarding birth control methods that will not worsen the condition.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is something that your body needs to function and is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally, explains MedlinePlus. Cholesterol levels tend to increase as you age and a high total blood cholesterol above 200 mg/dL may increase your risk of heart disease as it contributes to the arterial build-up of a hard substance called plaque. Cholesterol consists of three different substances: high and low density lipoproteins and triglycerides. Both low density lipoproteins, or LDL, and triglycerides are considered "bad" cholesterol because they have the ability to build plaque in the arteries otherwise known as atherosclerosis. High density lipoprotein, or HDL, is called "good" cholesterol because it can remove plaque. Avoiding saturated fats, and eating plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables along with increasing physical activity can help improve your cholesterol levels and increase HDL levels. If you are concerned about your cholesterol, speak with a physician so your levels can be tested properly.
What Are Birth Control Pills
Birth control pills are also known as oral contraception. They are a kind of medication that women can take daily to prevent pregnancy by altering their hormone levels. Birth control pills contain two hormones: estrogen and progestin; sometimes they may contain only progestin. These hormones prevent ovulation in which an egg is released from the ovaries. Taking birth control hormones can have many side effects including thickening a woman's cervical mucus, thinning the lining of the uterus, nausea, breast tenderness, increase in cholesterol and possible weight gain.
Birth Control Pills and Cholesterol
Birth control pills can have a direct effect on cholesterol depending on what concentration of estrogen or progestin it contains. According to MayoClinic.com, the estrogen in birth control pills causes an increase in the beneficial high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and a decrease in the "bad" low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The estrogen can also increase your total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Progestin birth control pills, either taken alone or as a combination pill, can have the opposite effect and increase bad cholesterol and decrease good cholesterol.
Hormones and Cholesterol
A woman's hormones can directly effect cholesterol with or without being on birth control. The American Heart Association explains that estrogen tends to rise when women ovulate or if they are on a birth control pill. This increase in estrogen will increase the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which women typically have higher levels of than men. It is simply a matter of how often estrogen levels will change either through birth control or a natural cycle. Women also tend to have higher triglyceride levels because of these hormones. It is important to discuss natural hormones, hormones in birth control, and concerns with cholesterol with your doctor.
