Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance in all body cells, performing essential functions. It helps build and repair cells, produce vital hormones, and synthesize vitamin D. While high cholesterol often gets attention, abnormally low levels (hypocholesterolemia) can also signal underlying health issues. Unlike high cholesterol, which often has no noticeable symptoms, low cholesterol can manifest through subtle signs. Understanding low cholesterol’s implications is important for overall health, despite it being less common than high cholesterol.
Identifying the Symptoms
Low cholesterol levels may not always produce specific or immediately noticeable symptoms, often making detection challenging without a blood test. However, when symptoms do appear, they can be varied and often non-specific, meaning they might also be indicative of many other health conditions. These may include:
- Persistent fatigue and general weakness.
- Mood changes, such as increased anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation.
- Digestive issues, including nutrient malabsorption or fatty stools.
- Neurological symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or intellectual disabilities in infants.
- Hormonal imbalances.
- Increased susceptibility to infections.
It is important to remember that these symptoms alone do not confirm low cholesterol, and medical evaluation is necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Common Causes of Low Cholesterol
Several factors can contribute to low cholesterol levels, including underlying medical conditions, genetic predispositions, and medication side effects.
Chronic health issues, such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland), and adrenal insufficiency, can lead to decreased cholesterol levels. Conditions that impair nutrient absorption, like celiac disease or other malabsorption disorders, may also result in low cholesterol. Malnutrition, severe illnesses, or injuries can additionally impact cholesterol synthesis and levels.
Chronic infections, including hepatitis C and severe inflammatory conditions like sepsis, are potential causes for a drop in cholesterol. Some types of cancer, particularly hematologic cancers, have also been associated with lower cholesterol readings.
Genetic factors also play a significant role. Rare inherited disorders such as abetalipoproteinemia, hypobetalipoproteinemia, and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) directly affect the body’s ability to produce or transport cholesterol, leading to very low levels.
Additionally, certain medications, notably statins used to lower high cholesterol, can sometimes lead to levels considered too low.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If you experience persistent symptoms that raise concerns about your health, consulting a healthcare professional is a prudent step. Self-diagnosing low cholesterol based solely on symptoms is not recommended, as many of the signs are non-specific and common to various conditions.
A definitive diagnosis of low cholesterol, or hypocholesterolemia, requires a simple blood test known as a lipid profile. This test measures total cholesterol, as well as specific types like LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein).
Individuals with a family history of low cholesterol or those who have been previously diagnosed with low levels should prioritize regular check-ups. For most adults, cholesterol levels should be checked every four to six years, but more frequent monitoring may be advised based on individual risk factors or existing health conditions. A doctor can accurately interpret your cholesterol levels, investigate any underlying causes for low readings, and discuss appropriate next steps, which may involve further tests or adjustments to medications.