Ideal Cholesterol Levels for Women

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in the blood. It is not only manufactured by the body but also acquired from the food you eat. Excess cholesterol increases the risk of artery blockages and heart attacks. In most cases, lower cholesterol levels are best. In the case of HDL cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, high levels are better.

Total Cholesterol

• A woman's total cholesterol level should be less than 200 mg/dL.

HDL Cholesterol Level

• A woman's HDL cholesterol level should be more than 50 mg/dL. Higher levels of this "good" cholesterol are better. A level closer to 60 mg/dL is considered best.

LDL Cholesterol

• A woman's LDL, or low-density lipoprotein, cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/DL.

Trigylceride Level

• A woman's triglyceride level should be less than 150 mg/dL.

Menopausal Effects on Cholesterol

• Women face a special challenge concerning cholesterol because hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause often cause LDL cholesterol to increase and HDL cholesterol to decrease. This effect raises a post-menopausal woman's risk of heart disease.