High cholesterol while breastfeeding ?

Question

I recently had blood work done and my ldl (bad) cholesterol is very high. I am breast feeding my daughter (6months) could that have something to do with my cholesterol being high? I don’t feel that I eat that unhealthy, I am 5’6 and weigh 165. My dr said I need to loose weight and cut out all breads, pastas, rice, and potatoes to lower my cholesterol within three months. If it’s not lowered in three months he wants to put me on meds to lower it which are not compatible with breastfeeding. I am doing my best but I struggle to lose weight when I am breastfeeding because I am always so hungry. Just wondering if anyone else has any info about cholesterol being high while breastfeeding. I’ve never had it checked before so I don’t have a baseline for myself. High cholesterol does not run in my family. I am 32 years old. LDL is 200

Answer

I’ve not heard of breastfeeding increasing cholesterol, but I do know that estrogen is suppressed while breastfeeding and that estrogen helps lower LDL and raise HDL. So it’s theoretically possible that the hormonal shift of breastfeeding would affect your cholesterol levels.  Interestingly, breastfeeding has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease.  
I am curious though whether this was a fasting cholesterol test.  Also, personally I’d seek a second opinion before starting cholesterol lowering medications without first giving yourself 12-18 months to make lifestyle changes, especially if there’s no family history of heart disease.
I’d also question the advice to cut carbs, which is a good way to lose weight and maybe drop triglycerides, but isn’t usually standard for lowering LDL.  Increasing fiber is very beneficial, so oatmeal and whole grains are great. I make fruit cups with chia seeds, mix flax into baked goods, look for high fiber bread and tortillas, etc. 
Generally you’ll want to increase your aerobic exercise per week and limit saturated fat (though, you still need fat!).  Peanut butter and avocados are great sources of fat, cheesecake and hamburgers not so much. Also avoid anything with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils aka trans fats.
My daughter has genetically high LDL over 200 and we visit a cardiologist regularly.  She is not overweight (currently 80lbs at age 13) but even so, exercise has been the single most effective change. We have chosen to delay medication.  
I hope this is helpful!

High cholesterol while breastfeeding ?

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