A low body temperature can easily explain high cholesterol levels. To us, a low body temperature indicates a slowed metabolism. An abnormally slow metabolism can occur in hypothyroidism due to inadequate production of T4, but more often, it is due to inadequate conversion of T4 to T3 inside the cells of the body. Since most of this T4 to T3 conversion happens intracellularly, it is invisible to thyroid blood tests. That’s why people can have low body temperatures even when their thyroid blood tests are normal. Studies show that people with inadequately treated hypothyroidism are more likely to have high cholesterol. We have seen this is also true for people with Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome (low body temperatures and normal thyroid blood tests). That’s because when your metabolism slows down your body’s ability to process cholesterol also slows down. Low thyroid function is associated with a reduction in the number and activity of LDL receptor sites on cells. These are “docking stations” that allow cells to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. When receptor sites aren’t working right, LDL accumulates in the bloodstream, and can deposit on blood vessel walls.
The connection between thyroid and cholesterol has been well-known for decades but is being forgotten. Before thyroid blood tests were invented, doctors used cholesterol as the test for hypothyroidism. If you had a high cholesterol, doctors would usually conclude that you had low thyroid function. Now, however, doctors have been trained by pharmaceutical companies to think, instead, of cholesterol lowering drugs. When most doctors see that you have high cholesterol, they don’t think to test your thyroid function or monitor your body temperature. They almost invariably prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs for people with high cholesterol, regardless of their thyroid/T3 status.
That can be a problem, because statin drugs can make hypothyroidism worse. And worsening hypothyroidism can create a vicious cycle for people. It can lead to higher cholesterol, the need for more statin drugs, worsening thyroid function, and, well, you get the picture. Also, people with low thyroid function are more vulnerable to the adverse effects statin drugs such as muscle breakdown (myositis.)
In our experience, cholesterol levels usually improve dramatically upon normalization of the body temperature. Our experience, and the literature suggest that T3 can often lower cholesterol more dramatically than T4. When people start taking T3 therapy for Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome, their cholesterol levels can often drop to normal within a month. After treatment, their temperatures and cholesterol can often remain improved even after the treatment has been discontinued.
Thyroid problems, adrenal fatigue, and nutritional deficiencies can all contribute to low body temperatures. Click here to locate a doctor trained to prescribe T3 to treat Wilson’s Temperature Syndrome.
References
- Tagami T, Kimura H, Ohtani S, et al. Multi-center study on the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Endocr J. 2011;58(6):449-57. Epub 2011 Apr 20.
- Duntas LH, Wartofsky L. Cardiovascular risk and subclinical hypothyroidism: focus on lipids and new emerging risk factors. What is the evidence? Thyroid. 2007 Nov;17(11):1075-84.
- Duntas LH, Brenta G. The effect of thyroid disorders on lipid levels and metabolism. Med Clin North Am. 2012 Mar;96(2):269-81. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2012.01.012. Epub 2012 Feb 14.
- Celi FS, Zemskova M, Linderman JD, et al. Metabolic effects of liothyronine therapy in hypothyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, crossover trial of liothyronine versus levothyroxine. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2011 Nov;96(11):3466-74. doi: 10.1210/jc.2011-1329. Epub 2011 Aug 24.
- Golomb BA, Evans MA. Statin adverse effects : a review of the literature and evidence for a mitochondrial mechanism. Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2008;8(6):373-418. doi: 10.2165/0129784-200808060-00004.
- Bar SL, Holmes DT, Frohlich J. Asymptomatic hypothyroidism and statin-induced myopathy. Can Fam Physician. 2007 Mar;53(3):428-31.
- Kiernan TJ, Rochford M, McDermott JH. Simvastatin induced rhabdomyolysis and an important clinical link with hypothyroidism. Int J Cardiol. 2007 Jul 31;119(3):374-6. Epub 2006 Nov 13.
I recently found a physician that “gets it” and has tested for Free T3 / T4 and Reverse T3 / T4 instead of only relying on the test results for T4. My question is who and, at what point, is the decision made whether or not to continuing taking the cholesterol medication?
Usually, when doctors start treating patients with T3 and they see the cholesterol level coming down dramatically they begin to decide weaning off the cholesterol lowering medication. Probably most doctors would wait until the cholesterol is normal before weaning the medicine.
Is there any Doctors in Lodi or Stockton area that handles these problems. Thank you. Ella , Lodi, Ca 95242
http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/patients/medical-providers/
I live in Ocala, Fl and cannot find a doctor who understands and can treat me. Can you advise of one?
I need help. I can’t find anyone here in Fairbanks Alaska who believes that I have a problem. I tested my temperature for 2 weeks and it averages 95 degrees. My hair has been falling out for months. My nails have ridges and now they’re starting to peel sideways. I’m fatigued often. I can’t seem to lose weight. My metabolism is very slow and I seem to have to “Talk to myself” to get up and do anything. I feel like I have weights in my legs often. I’ve gone to a Natural Medicine Dr. who told me that the best way to beat this is to do vigorous excercise for 1 1/2 hours a day, 6 days a week. I’m 61 years old and run a business, so have very little time for that. I’ve paid him so much money and gotten no results. I have even had to CALL HIM to get the results of my urine tests, metal tests, etc. Please………can you help me?
I have been taking T3 since March and my temperature has not risen at all. I have added an additional 7.5 to my dose of 15mg and it actually reduces my temperature. I also get very hot and am exhausted after exercise to the point of passing out. Any suggestions ?
Hi Lisa :), Unfortunately, I cannot give medical advice over the internet but I’d be happy to discuss your case with your treating physician for free. He or she can make the arrangements by calling 800 420 5801. There are answers to your questions, I just can’t give them to you over the internet.
My husband had his thyroid removed because of nodules that were showing cancer, he is on 175 mcg of synthroid, he has high cholesterol, has had a mild m.i. , blocked 99 % in the arteries, had 2 stints put in, doctor has him on statin , blood thinner, low dose aspirin , and he always has a low body temperature , would he be able to take T3 with this condition or would it be dangerous.He is 61 yrs old.He never feels good anymore and has to take a nap everyday because his body seems to crash and he feels exhausted. I thought it was strange they were only giving him T4 even though he doesnt have a thyroid gland , doesnt he also need T3 as well.
proper thyroid function can be very good for the heart. T3 therapy can definitely present some cardiovascular risks as well. There are some measures that can be taken to reduce the risk but it will still be a judgement call as to whether the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks in his case.
Any doctors near Columbus OH that treat this?
HEllo!
You can check our database here: http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com/patients/medical-providers/. If you don’t see a doctor locally, some doctors may be able to help you remotely. Best of luck!