October 19, 2025

My Mom Asked Me About Her Cholesterol… Here’s What I Told Her

NP Hardy’s Honest Take on Women’s Cholesterol, Hormones, and Heart Health

Something for my mom
When my mom asked me about her cholesterol, I didn’t just talk about numbers. I talked about what’s really behind them. So when she asked me what to do, here’s what I told her…

Why Healthy Fats and Exercise Matters

I told my mom to start by focusing on two simple but powerful shifts: healthy fats and consistent movement.

Choosing the right fats matters more than avoiding them. Your body needs omega-3s and monounsaturated fats to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and help cholesterol move through your bloodstream properly. Think olive oil, avocado, nuts, chia seeds, and salmon instead of refined oils or processed snacks labeled “low-fat.”

Exercise is another powerful cholesterol regulator. Regular movement, especially strength training and interval-style cardio, helps raise HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and lower triglycerides. Even small, consistent efforts make a difference. I tell women to focus on progress, not perfection- walking after meals, adding light weights, and finding movement that feels good instead of punishing.

These two foundations are the first steps toward real metabolic balance and heart protection.

Why Hormones Matter for Your Heart

Many women ARE eating better, walking more, trying to “do everything right,” but cholesterol keeps creeping up. Many women I see, feel confused and frustrated, wondering why the old advice wasn’t working anymore.

Sometimes, it may be out of your control- especially with hormonal changes during midlife. Once those habits are in place, we look deeper into what’s happening hormonally.

As estrogen starts to decline, sometimes years before menopause, your body’s lipid balance begins to shift. LDL (“bad”) cholesterol rises, HDL can drop, and triglycerides may climb even when diet and exercise haven’t changed.

It’s not that your body is “broken.” It’s that your metabolism is changing.

Research shows a link between hormone changes and more atherogenic lipid profiles. One review found that during the menopausal transition, women experience “increases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and a shift toward a more atherogenic lipid profile.” (Atherosclerosis Journal)

Other studies suggest that hormone therapy, when appropriate, can help improve lipid profiles in midlife women. (ScienceDirect)

What I told my mom, and what I tell my patients, is this:

We don’t just treat a number. We look at why it’s high.

At Harmony in Health, we test hormone panels, inflammation markers, and nutrient levels to understand how your body is processing fats and stress. Because when your hormones and metabolism are supported, cholesterol often improves naturally.

Biohacks to Get Cholesterol Under Control Naturally

These are the same evidence-informed steps I shared with my mom, and they’ve helped countless women in Fairfax, VA get results:

1. Reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation raises cholesterol and triglycerides. Eat anti-inflammatory foods like wild-caught salmon, olive oil, avocado, leafy greens, and berries.

2. Avoid processed foods
Skip refined oils, sugary snacks, and “low-fat” processed products. These spike insulin and disrupt fat metabolism.

3. Optimize key nutrients
Vitamin B12 and folate are critical for liver detoxification and lipid balance. Low levels can lead to higher homocysteine, a marker linked to heart risk.

4. Build muscle
Muscle helps your body use fat for energy, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports cholesterol metabolism. If joint pain limits workouts, ask about Emsculpt protocols for safe, passive muscle strengthening.

5. Balance hormones first
If estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, or insulin are off, your body will fight against your efforts. Testing and optimizing them creates a foundation for success.

6. Structure over discipline
No one wins by willpower alone. Build structure – meals, movement, rest – and use medication or supplements as tools while habits form.

GLP-1s: A Recommended Jumpstart for Women

When my mom asked if medication might help, I explained that sometimes our biology needs a reset, not forever, but to gain control and clarity.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide and tirzepatide) can reduce appetite, improve insulin sensitivity, and lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while you rebuild healthy patterns. They’re not a shortcut, they’re a structured bridge back to balance.

Research supports this: GLP-1s improve both weight and lipid profiles, reducing cardiovascular risks in women managing metabolic change. (SpringerLink)

At Harmony in Health, I combine GLP-1 therapy (when appropriate) with hormone support, nutrient optimization, and lifestyle coaching. The goal isn’t to chase thinness, it’s to help women feel strong, clear, and confident again.

Special Offer This Month

New Monthly GLP-1 Treatment Plans

+Start this month and receive a $50 credit toward our Fat Burner + B12 shot with L-Carnitine, formulated to boost energy, support fat metabolism, and promote healthy cholesterol balance.

Offer valid at our Fairfax, VA clinic.
We’re in-network with Anthem, CareFirst, and Cigna.

What I’d Tell Every Woman Like My Mom

You deserve care that looks deeper than your lab numbers.
Your body isn’t broken, it’s communicating.

If you’re a woman near Fairfax, VA (Washington DC or Maryland) noticing rising cholesterol, fatigue, or stubborn weight, this is your sign to stop guessing and start getting answers.

Book your Cholesterol & Metabolic Health Consult today at Harmony in Health.

Let’s get you stronger, clearer, and healthier.

Harmony in Health: Your Wellness Experts

For over a decade, Harmony in Health has provided primary care and wellness services to the Northern Virginia area. Led by NP Jessica Hardy, MSN-BC, our dedicated care team has supported thousands of patients to live happier, healthier lives- and is ready to help you.

Stay Connected with Harmony in Health

Facebook Instagram