How can I reduce high cholesterol from AIs?

You might find some useful information on the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine website.

Remember—I am not your doctor! You haven’t mentioned your age although it doesn’t have to be a factor. I have similar numbers now (and I don’t know if they will go away or change) but my PCP is a ‘numbers’ guy. He did the math and showed me how much a statin would change my levels and it was negligible. So he doesn’t want to add more medication for such minimal results. I—on the other hand—I have read here that others are taking a certain form of K2 (m7) so I tried that but no change and had stomach issues. The theory is that K2 takes the calcium—I don’t remember from where, if it’s the plaque? and sends it to the bones which would be a win-win. Going to research and try again because I also tried red yeast rice which is like taking a statin and you have to find one with no contaminant and that also wrecked my stomach. I have always wondered how statins lower the numbers. Do they actually remove the plaque? More to discuss at my annual visit…

I also developed elevated cholesterol after starting AI and my doctor wanted to prescribe a statin. I refused and she then suggested something called Zetia which is supposed to block the absorption of cholesterol from food. I cut way back on processed meats, ate more vegetables, continued with the K2, B12, D3, etc and my numbers dropped to near normal within a year. My Doctor seemed a little surprised that my numbers dropped so much without statins.

@lcr2017 Thank you for the info. I am 41 and never had any issues with cholesterol before the cancer treatments.

I haven't heard of using K2 (m7) for this, I will see if I can find anything more about that.

I had read some about that red yeast and I was worried about stomach issues since I saw that is a common issue. Also I am worried about liver and or kidney issues from it as well, since that was mentioned. I am already having some liver and kidney issues from the cancer treatments. I definitely don't want to make them work any harder or do any more damage to them.

@gldilli Thank you for the info, did you take the Zetia or they had just suggested it? What dose do you take of K2?

@gldilli Did you take Zetia as well as improving your diet and continuing with the supplements??

@gldilli
Thank you for sharing this info. I had high BP in the past and took statins til my leg aches became unbearable so doctor took me off. Had been off about 3 years but after now taking AI’s for 6 months my cholesterol shot up so PCP prescribed Zetia (Ezetimibe) about two months ago. I’m goi g for both CT and full body bone scans this coming week. Experiencing some intermittent pains on right side so PCP ordered that; the bone scan was ordered by oncologist prior to my surgery mid-March. It’s all scary as I’ve been blessed with good health til all this started. Will await results from scans and decide more then. But another “klinker”—PCP has ordered heart monitor as he heard some palpitations/irregular heartbeats. Seems these AI’s can cause many other issues so wondering quality vs quantity if I have to take them at least 5 years post surgery. At 79 it’s hard to know… Thinking positive thoughts for all fighting this disease…

I am 71 and have been taking letrozole an AI since last April. I have been taking a good quality red rice yeast for many years with good success. I am primarily vegetarian but eat fish and lots of grains, vegetables, beans and nuts and fruit. I exercise and lift weights. I recently met with a cardiologist/oncologist who did more in depth blood work to look at the size of the LDL blood cells - so more details about them carrying plaque to my heart. My total cholesterol was 204, the LDL was 122 and the HDL 63 and the triglyceride was 90. I had a calcium score of 19. I have a family history of congestive heart failure and arrhythmia issues. I live in atrial tachycardia and sometimes afib - 4 ablations haven’t addressed the issues. So I am on a beta blocker metoprolol and eliquis. This new cardiologist put me on Lisinopril to ease any burden on my heart since my echo with strain showed a slightly low ejection fraction of 45-50 instead of 50-55. Now because of the bloodwork she wants me to take a statin. She said my my LDL should be under 70 and because I live such a healthy lifestyle already and am already taking 1800 IU of red rice yeast, this is important to take a statin. I am so fearful of side effects. But I know the AI can increase your cholesterol and I don’t want to have plumbing cardiac issues. I have another 4 years and three months on letrezole. I am torn about what to do and was leaning against taking them but my family and other medically knowledgeable people are urging me to try them to see what happens.

I am so relieved to hear that I am not the only person who doesn’t want to take them. It is bad enough that I had breast cancer. Now the treatment is creating other issues which require new treatments? I feel like it is all too much.

So my question is for those of you taking statins how long did it take to have issues? Do you know anyone who hasn’t had muscle aches? I already have joint pain from the AI. How can we distinguish which drug is causing what issue?

Has anyone seen a physician that looks at everything and helps you determined how to proceed?

My oncologist and rheumatologist also wanted me to take prolia and I said no to those drugs too. I am lifting weights and taking Algie cal plus and eating more bone healthy foods.

@coco46 My Primary suggested the Zetia. I’m currently taking a vit K (100 mg) and D3 (4000) combo by Nature’s Bounty

@tillymack yes