Thyroid and cholesterol problems ,whilst on Letrozole

today thought id pop on here to see if anyone who's been on Letrozole ( ive been on it for just over five years),is or have had problems with their thyroid and cholesterol.  My thyroid and cholesterol started playing up in Feb 2025,mynthyroid was overactive ,and my cholesterol was high, ive been diagnosed with a fatty liver, and a small cyst on my liver as well. Doctors decided to just monitor  it ,and ive just had my bloods checked again for my thyroid and cholesterol.  Its now come back T4 normal, but another part of the thyroid test is saying its now underactive, and they will retest bloods in another 3 months time.  Cholesterol results came bac k today and its high, my doctor wants to put me on statins 

I don't eat fatty foods, I don't eat any red meat, I have skimmed milk I eat plant foods qorn  and i drink cholesterol lowering drinks, but I've read letrozole can cause thyroid problems, and thyroid problems can cause you to have high cholesterol.  So it seems its a viscous circle.  I'd rather take a plant based  statins, from somewhere like Holland and Barrett, or off of Amazon. Has anyone else on here had these problems, and if so ,what did you decide to do, go on statins from your doctor? or try the more natural way plant based statins.  I'd love to hear from anyone  who's had or having the same problems as im having ,and id love to know how your treating  these conditions.  

  • Hey Jassoscared, 

    I'm sorry to hear about the problems you've been having with your thyroid and cholesterol whilst you've been taking Letrozole. This must be very frustrating, especially when you are so careful with what you eat and drink.

    Hopefully you'll hear back from some of our members soon, but our cancer nurses are always available on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m if you'd like to get their thoughts on this as well.

    I hope you're able to get your preferred choice of statins if you do have to start taking them Jassoscared, and that they help get your levels back down.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thank you Steph,

    ive just been looking online about plant lowering cholesterol tablets. They blick  your  cholesterol in your gut,where as statins you get from your gp block it in your liver.So it's difficult to know which one to go with, im unsure of what to do,I know some people have side effects when taking prescription statins, aa I have only half a bowel,ibs,diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis when I was 18yes old ( was told once you have this it can lay dormant and flare up at any time) also he gallstones ( gallstones  are not  playing up.,have been OK) im always reluctant to take any new forms of medication, as it can upset my stomach and bowels.  and.who is on statins or are taking the plant lowering  cholesterol options ,will.see my post ,and let me know how they are  getting on,with which ever options they are taking etc.x