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Causes and Symptoms of Cholesterol Deficiency: Your Guide to Understanding the Issue and Diagnostic and Treatment Methods
When cholesterol is mentioned, most people automatically associate it with health problems such as heart disease and atherosclerosis. However, few know that a deficiency in cholesterol can be a health problem in its own right, with complications as significant as its elevation. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the causes of cholesterol deficiency, its symptoms, and diagnostic methods, and we will clarify the difference between primary and secondary cholesterol deficiency and the best ways to deal with it.
What is cholesterol and why do we need it?
Cholesterol is a waxy fat-like substance produced by the liver and plays a crucial role in forming cell membranes, producing certain hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and manufacturing vitamin D and bile acids that help digest fats. Thus, having cholesterol within normal levels in the blood is essential for the health of the body. When cholesterol levels drop significantly, problems occur that affect vital body functions.
Causes of Cholesterol Deficiency
There are multiple causes of cholesterol deficiency in the blood, which are usually divided into two main types: primary and secondary cholesterol deficiency.
1. Primary Cholesterol Deficiency:
Occurs due to genetic reasons, where a person is born with a naturally low cholesterol level. Some rare genetic diseases lead to dysfunction in cholesterol production or absorption from food. Although these cases are rare, they can significantly impact the patient’s health if not detected early.
2. Secondary Cholesterol Deficiency:
This type is more common and occurs as a result of other conditions or diseases that affect cholesterol levels. Some prominent causes include:
• Severe malnutrition or extremely low-fat diets.
• Liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis.
• Hyperthyroidism, which increases metabolism and reduces blood cholesterol levels.
• Some types of cancer, especially liver and digestive system cancers.
• Malabsorption caused by gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease.
Symptoms of Cholesterol Deficiency
It can sometimes be difficult to detect symptoms of cholesterol deficiency because many associate symptoms with its elevation only. However, paying attention to some signs can help with early diagnosis. The most common symptoms include:
• Persistent fatigue and reduced physical energy.
• Depression and mood disorders, as cholesterol plays a role in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters like serotonin.
• Concentration difficulties and long-term memory problems.
• Increased risk of bleeding because cholesterol is involved in the production of some blood components.
• Reduced fertility in men and women due to its role in producing sex hormones.
• If you notice any of these symptoms persisting over time without a clear reason, it is important to see a doctor for necessary tests.
Diagnosing Cholesterol Deficiency
Diagnosing cholesterol deficiency involves a simple blood test known as a “comprehensive lipid panel,” which measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides.
• Liver tests.
• Thyroid tests.
• Evaluating the diet and lifestyle.
• Genetic tests if a hereditary defect is suspected.
Treating Cholesterol Deficiency
The treatment for cholesterol deficiency depends on the cause. If the deficiency is due to malnutrition or an excessive diet, the treatment is simple through dietary modification and increasing the intake of healthy fats such as:
• Eggs.
• Nuts.
• Fatty fish like salmon and sardines.
• Healthy plant oils like olive oil and avocado.
If the cause is an underlying disease such as hyperthyroidism or liver diseases, controlling the primary disease usually restores cholesterol levels to normal.
In the case of primary genetic cholesterol deficiency, treatment may be more complicated and requires constant medical supervision to ensure compensation for the deficiency appropriately, and sometimes the doctor may prescribe dietary supplements or medications to stimulate the body to produce natural cholesterol.
How to Protect Yourself from Cholesterol Deficiency?
To prevent secondary cholesterol deficiency, it is advised to follow a healthy and balanced lifestyle that includes:
• Eating healthy fats and not excessively reducing them when following diets.
• Seeing a doctor if unexplained symptoms such as persistent fatigue or depression occur.
• Keeping up with routine check-ups to monitor cholesterol levels, especially if chronic diseases or genetic factors are present.
• Avoiding psychological stress and severe strain as they can affect metabolic processes.
Conclusion
Although high cholesterol is a well-known problem with a wide impact, cholesterol deficiency can be a silent danger if not detected early. Understanding the causes of cholesterol deficiency and recognizing its symptoms helps in quick diagnosis and taking appropriate steps for treatment, if you suspect you are affected or notice any changes in your health, do not hesitate to conduct the necessary tests and consult a specialist doctor, taking care of your health today means protecting yourself from problems that may worsen later.
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