What’s Your Number?

Having high cholesterol can lead to heart disease or stroke.

There are 3 kinds of cholesterol 

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol

Triglycerides (type of fat in your blood)

Together, they make up your total cholesterol. 

Formula for total cholesterol = LDL + HDL + 20% triglycerides 

Know your numbers

There are no symptoms for high cholesterol. The only way to know is to get your numbers checked with cholesterol screening.

The CDC’s optimal cholesterol level recommendations for people assigned female at birth:

LDL cholesterol: about 100 mg/dL

HDL cholesterol: ≥50 mg/dL

Triglycerides:

Total cholesterol: about 150 mg/dL

High cholesterol = total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL

Around 2 in 5 American adults have total cholesterol above 200 mg/dL.

When to get screened

People assigned female at birth should get their cholesterol checked:

20–54 Every 5 years

55–65 Every 1–2 years

65+ Every year 

Risk factors for high cholesterol

Lack of exercise

Eating a diet high in saturated and trans fat and sugar

Smoking

Drinking too much alcohol 

Having health conditions like chronic kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism and lupus 

Genetics and family history 

Certain medications 

Being 40 years or older 

Although people over 40 are at higher risk of developing high cholesterol, it can happen at any age. 

Estrogen affects cholesterol 

Estrogen provides protection against heart disease by lowering blood triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and increasing HDL cholesterol.  

Changing estrogen levels during the menstrual cycle can raise and lower your cholesterol levels.

During perimenopause and menopause, lower amounts of estrogen increase triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol levels, increasing your risk of heart disease. 

High levels of estrogen during pregnancy and with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can cause higher LDL and triglycerides. 

How to get screened

Your healthcare provider (HCP) can give you a cholesterol screening test, also called a lipid panel or lipid profile, by taking a blood sample from you. 

You’ll likely be asked to fast or not eat for 12 hours before the test.

The test is quick and relatively painless, and the results will show your levels for the three types of cholesterol plus total cholesterol. 

1 blood test = 4 results

Don’t delay — talk to your HCP about cholesterol screening today!

This resource was created with support from Amgen, a HealthyWomen Corporate Advisory Council member.