Are Thyroid Hormones And Cholesterol Levels Linked To Each Other?

Posted on Sat, 23 Jan 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 23 Jan 2016 Answered on

Fri, 4 Mar 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,

Is there any link between thyroid and cholesterol?

If yes, Can you please explain?

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes,they are linked

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.

Yes,thyroid hormones are linked to the cholesterol levels in blood.

Thyroid hormones (T3,T4) are basically metabolic hormones and through metabolism they are believed to break down bad cholesterol (LDL,VLDL) as a part of metabolic process.

So,when there is low levels of thyroid hormones (seen in hypothyroidism),these cholesterol does not broken down as usual and stats to build up in our blood gradually.

For that reason,it is commonly seen high levels of LDL,VLDL cholesterol in hypothyroid patients.

Hope this helps.

Let me know if you have more doubts.

Regards,

Dr.Sandip Kabra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee