Statins and Women’s Health: What You’re Not Being Told
Statins and Women’s Health: An Honest Conversation
You might think you’re not at risk of a heart attack or stroke — especially if you eat well, move your body, and live a relatively healthy lifestyle. But the reality is, 1 in 4 deaths in Australia (25%!) are caused by cardiovascular events. That’s significant.
No matter your gender, weight, diet, or exercise routine, it’s worth taking a good look at your cardiovascular health. Genetics play a major role, and heart events can catch even seemingly healthy people off guard.
A thorough approach matters. At minimum, I recommend:
A comprehensive cardiovascular pathology panel
Reviewing your family history
Regularly monitoring your blood pressure
One area I often discuss with clients is statin therapy — a class of cholesterol-lowering medications. Statins are commonly prescribed, especially to those over 50, yet they remain a controversial topic amongst medical experts. And for good reason.
In fact, 48% of Australian adults over 75 are on statins. That number alone is worth pausing over.
Let’s unpack the conversation — especially as it relates to women’s health.
The Impact of Statins on Women
In clinic, I’ve seen many women experience symptoms shortly after starting statins — things like:
Fatigue
Low mood and irritability
Muscle aches or weakness
Digestive discomfort
These are more than just coincidences. They reflect the wider, downstream effects of how statins work in the body — especially in post-menopausal women, where statin use is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Of course, in some cases statins are necessary. Cardiovascular events are a very real threat. But it’s worth understanding the bigger picture.
Statins and Heart Attack Risk
Statins do reduce cholesterol levels — but we have to ask: at what cost?
While they may offer modest protection against heart attacks, some studies suggest the reduction in risk is not as substantial as we’re led to believe. And worryingly, one of the side effects of statins is actually heart failure. Yes — a medication designed to protect your heart could potentially harm it.
That’s not something we can ignore.
The Ripple Effect: What Else Do Statins Change?
Statins block a liver enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that plays a key role in cholesterol production. But this same pathway is also responsible for making:
Hormones: testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA
Vitamin D: essential for immunity, mood, metabolism, and more
CoQ10: a powerful antioxidant crucial for energy and heart health
When we block this pathway, we impact all of these systems. Low levels of these substances can lead to a whole host of side effects, including mood changes, muscle pain, hormone imbalances, and fatigue.
If statins are prescribed, CoQ10 (or ubiquinol) should always be considered alongside to replenish what’s lost. Sadly, this is often overlooked.
Digestion and Statins
Statins may also impair bile acid production, which is essential for fat digestion and the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, and K. This can contribute to digestive issues — something I regularly see in practice.
Mental Health Concerns
As someone who’s deeply passionate about mental wellbeing, I find the emerging research around statins and cognitive or emotional side effects deeply concerning.
There are case studies linking statin use to:
Depression
Anxiety
Irritability or aggression
Memory loss
Even suicidal thoughts or behaviours
While some larger studies dismiss these effects, others show clear correlations. Some researchers also suggest a higher risk of cognitive decline and Parkinson’s disease with long-term statin use. In my view, conflicting evidence should spark caution — not dismissal.
Statins in Older Adults
Here’s another eye-opener: 48% of Australian adults over 75 are taking statins, yet there’s no strong evidence that statins reduce heart attacks or extend life in people over 69.
In fact:
Lower cholesterol in older adults is linked to a higher risk of death
Statins may increase arterial plaque in some cases
Aggressively lowering cholesterol doesn’t necessarily reduce cardiovascular events
We need to question the blanket prescribing of statins in this age group — especially without regular review of symptoms, outcomes, and risk-benefit analysis.
Personalised Care and Informed Choice
This isn’t about being “anti-medicine.” It’s about being pro-information and pro-choice.
Sometimes statins are appropriate — especially in high-risk cases. But every individual deserves a personalised approach.
Clients should:
Understand both the potential benefits and risks of statins
Have access to natural and dietary strategies for cardiovascular support
Be regularly monitored for new symptoms after starting medication
Be given the opportunity to reduce or stop statins if their health improves through lifestyle
Too often, people feel disempowered or brushed off when they question a statin prescription — especially if they start experiencing unusual side effects. That needs to change.
Natural Ways to Support Cardiovascular Health
There are many natural strategies to support cholesterol balance and heart health, such as:
Dietary fibre from whole foods
Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flax
Antioxidants from colourful fruits and vegetables
Stress reduction techniques
Regular movement and strength training
Herbs and nutrients (like garlic, bergamot, red yeast rice — under supervision)
These options don’t work overnight, and they require commitment — but they’re powerful. They support the whole body, not just a single lab marker.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Open
Statins are one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in Australia, yet many people don’t fully understand how they work or what risks may be involved. That needs to change.
If you’re taking statins and feel “off” — or if you’re wondering whether they’re right for you — let’s have a conversation. You deserve to feel informed, heard, and supported.
This isn’t about fear. It’s about clarity, individualised care, and empowerment.
Want support with cholesterol or heart health?
Let’s look at the full picture — your bloodwork, family history, lifestyle, and symptoms — and create a personalised, realistic plan that makes sense for you.
AUTHOR: TALITHA
I specialise in gut health (IBS, IBD, microbiome testing), women's health (preconception, fertility, hormone balance), and mental health (depression, stress, anxiety). I am a degree- qualified naturopath who LOVES helping people transform their health stories!!
