Elevated LDL cholesterol
Posted , 6 users are following.
Hi everyone,
Has anyone with PMR experienced their LDL cholesterol level increasing despite good diet and exercise? I am on HRT though with a seperate testosterone gel which I believe can increase the bad cholesterol? I do however have a familial history of elevated cholesterol with aging in my parents.
I mentioned in a previous post I was trialling a supplement phytoprofen for my PMR symptoms instead of pred, which is a combination of tumeric and bromain. I also take fish oil, krill oil, evening primrose and an activated B complex daily. I juice veggies and small amount of fruit each morning for breakfast and now follow a low carb diet. The only side effect I've noticed with the turmeric is dry and flaking skin of my face?
Despite the amazing effectiveness of pred, I decided to stop taking it unless I got a bad flare up as I was concerned about the long term side effects. Apart from the first few months of being prescribed it, I haven't had to use it for the last 6 months.
I believe for me the supplements must be working as my pain and stiffness are now down around 80% if I don't do strenuous exercise. Interestingly though, if I drink wine the next day the aches and pains are more noticeable.
Any advice is greatly appreciated!!
0 likes, 10 replies
karenjaninaz Nolal2
Posted
what concerns me about supplements is that this supplement could have a steroid in it which is not listed on the label. In the US independent labs have found prescription strength drugs in supplements not listed on the label.
I do not see any independent lab examination of phytoprofen.
As far as HRT goes I used bio-identical hormones and ended up with bilateral breast cancer. Those have the same dangers as Rx because their is no difference. My alternative MD lost her license for using unproven therapies. Too bad. I liked the lady.
amkoffee karenjaninaz
Posted
amkoffee Nolal2
Posted
Nolal2 amkoffee
Posted
I had my thyroid levels checked not long ago and all within normal limits. I'm scared to come off hrt again. I tried it two years ago and it was a nightmare. I experienced every menopausal symptom. I nearly had to give up work. For me it was worse than Pmr.
EileenH Nolal2
Posted
If you are not on pred then I can't see any reason why your LDL cholesterol has gone up - it has been claimed that bromelain and turmeric have been shown to lower them in studies. Most people with PMR would be on pred, pred can increase cholesterol levels.
The only thing I can think of is that PMR CAN involve the liver - it isn't unusual to find increased liver enzymes in unmanaged PMR, something a lot of doctors seem to be unaware of. That COULD also increase production of cholesterol I suppose - and if you aren't drinking alcohol, your HDL levels are likely to go down.
And karinjaninaz touches on a VERY important point: other wonder-supplements have been later found to have undeclared steroids in them - at levels far above PMR pred doses. No wonder they worked!
EileenH
Posted
Forgot the most important point though - if you have the genetic link for hypercholesterolaemia, there is little you can do with just diet and exercise.
And since I am convinced by evidence-based medicine I feel I havee to quote this:
"Bromelain is a term used for a collection of enzymes isolated from pineapple. While it’s rated by NMCD as “possibly effective” for osteoarthritis, the data are contradictory with some studies suggesting it has no effect on osteoarthritis. It has not been well demonstrated that bromelain reaches any clincially meaningful concentration in the blood. These are large protein molecules andit’s not clear how effectively they are absorbed – doses of 3000mg/day seem to result in tiny, albeit measurable, blood levels. Blood plasma components may inactivate any bromelain that is absorbed, though a half-life has been described. On balance, the data are not impressive."
Which is from a site called Sciencebasedpharmacy in an article about Wobenzyme N: a closer look at systemic enzyme therapy. There are some interesting discussions there about the use of such substances in supplements to manage inflammation - one size cannot fit all for all sorts of reasons which are discussed.
I imagine the turmeric may well be helping you - but I'm sceptical about the rest. I managed PMR for 5 years with no medications and certain physical approaches helped a lot - and PMR does vary in intensity for most people over time. It may be coincidence.
Nolal2 EileenH
Posted
jae61606 Nolal2
Posted
My husband's cholesterol dropped on a low carb duet but mine soared. Low carb does not mean low fat abd fir sine reason it worked wonders for him but not me.
Could it be be a gender difference?
jae61606
Posted
Sorry , I meant to write " and for some reason" . Is there an " edit" option here?
EileenH jae61606
Posted
" Is there an " edit" option here?" - short answer: NO!
We keep asking...