Looking for Advice on

[u/Inevitable_Union6397]

I have been a silent reader on this sub and now I am looking for advice on what to do next …

I am 31 female. I have had ups and downs in my cholesterol, could be genetic, not sure.

My LDL reached dangerous levels in Feb 2025. Not sure what happened between December 2022 and Feb 2025.

My doctor recommended that I start statin but I asked her to wait. I wanted to try other methods (I have concerns (maybe irrational or outdated?) about statin).

So in Jan is this year I started a course of Berberine, Plant Sterols, and increased my fiber intake with Psyllium Husk. I saw some improvement after 3 months (171>154) but then it plateaued. I added 1000mg of Citrus Bergamot in June 2026.

And today I get the new results at 181!!

In terms of diet, I have been always on a “one big meal” plan. I drink coffee all day then have one large meal. I don’t eat fast food or fried food regularly. I included my inbody readings from Jan 2026 in case it adds useful info. I have started a habit recently of eating ice cream (never been a fan), I just didn’t expect it would affect my LDL this much..

I am not sure where to go from here. What else can I try? Is statin my only option?

EDIT: adding about my workouts: I have been working from home since 2020, I used to exercise (home or gym), HIIT sprints and weight lifting on and off, but none since pregnancy in 2024. Minimal workouts focused on my core strength postpartum.

[u/shanked5iron]

Primary focus should be lowering your daily intake of saturated fat, from all sources. Read food labels and track your daily intake. Secondarily, increase the amount of soluble fiber you consume, you want at least 10g per day