From muscle pain to kidney problems and double the dementia risk, it’s no wonder people are wary of statins. Besides those concerns, targeting high levels with statins, might not get to the root of your problem. That’s because cholesterol problems can start in a tiny, butterfly-shaped gland that produces some of the body’s most important hormones instead of your blood vessels.

You probably already know there are two types of cholesterol: HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). HDL supports heart health and fights inflammation. But, when it comes to HDL, too much of a “good” thing may hurt your bones…

When your physician suggests you need to take a medication, you likely trust their advice. After all, they are the medical experts. You’d never expect them to prescribe you a drug that doesn’t work — much less one with links to other deadly diseases. But that’s just what has happened…

LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood are determined predominantly by two very different biochemical pathways. Depending upon which one is dominant for you, it’s possible to determine how well you’ll respond to medication versus simple diet changes to lower cholesterol.

Research is suggesting that statins may provide an edge over cancer. But are statins wonder drugs? 40 million Americans take them every day, but heart disease is still winning. 655,000 Americans die from heart disease each year. Not to mention the other associated disease risks. Will conquering cancer make this drug shine?

Many patients come to see me because they want to avoid medications or get off of statins. There’s a lot to consider, including guidelines, but that’s not all considering the risk calculator is, in many ways, flawed. Here’s what I tell them…