statins: A controversial topic
To be honest, I get nervous to discuss statins because it’s easy for people to label naturopaths as “anti-medicine.” But the truth is, I’m not alone in my concerns about statins. Statins are a controversial topic among experts for several reasons. And considering that 48% of Australian adults over 75 are on statins, I think it's time we have an open conversation about this medication.
Statins and Heart Attack Risk
It’s true that statins reduce cholesterol, but the question we need to ask is: at what cost? The reduction in heart attack risk doesn’t seem substantial enough to justify the side effects. One of the possible side effects is heart failure—yes, you read that right. Heart failure. That’s a serious consequence for a medication that’s supposed to protect your heart.
Further concerns: The Downstream Effects of Statins
Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol, but this has far-reaching effects on everything that’s made by the same pathway. This includes many important hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, aldosterone, and DHEA. These hormones play critical roles in everything from reproductive health to stress management.
Statins also affect the production of vitamin D, a nutrient vital for immunity, metabolism, mental wellbeing, and much more. Additionally, they deplete CoQ10, a powerful cellular antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of heart attacks. CoQ10 or ubiquinol should always be prescribed alongside statins to offset this depletion.
Cholesterol is also essential for cell membrane function, aiding in the transmission of signals, nutrients, and metabolic waste. By lowering cholesterol, statins may inadvertently compromise these fundamental processes.
Another concerning aspect is the impact of statins on digestion. By blocking the production of bile acids, which are necessary for fat digestion, statins may contribute to digestive issues.
the effects of statins on women’s health
In practice, I have seen many women complaining of fatigue, low mood, irritability, body aches, and digestive issues after starting statin therapy. These symptoms make sense when considering the downstream effects of statins outlined above. Statins also significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in post-menopausal women.
The Effects of Statins on Mental Health
As someone deeply interested in mental health, the research on statins and cognitive decline or mental health side effects is particularly troubling. While the research is conflicting, there are case studies that clearly show associations between statins and severe depression, anxiety, aggression, irritability, and even suicide attempts and completion.
Moreover, some studies suggest that statins may increase cognitive decline and the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Larger studies may argue that statins have no negative impact on psychological wellbeing, but I sincerely question these findings given the conflicting evidence.
The Widespread Use of Statins in Older Adults
Did you know that 48% of Australian adults over 75 are on statins? Despite this, there’s a glaring lack of evidence that statins reduce the risk of heart attacks or prevent death in people over the age of 69. It’s concerning that such a large portion of the population is taking a medication without clear benefits for their age group.
Aggressively lowering cholesterol might bring those numbers down, but it doesn’t necessarily reduce the prevalence of heart attacks. In fact, there’s evidence that it could lead to higher plaque build-up in the arteries. What’s even more alarming is that older adults with lower cholesterol levels actually have a higher risk of death than those with higher cholesterol.
Informed Choice for My Clients
At the heart of this discussion is the importance of informed choice. People deserve to be empowered with comprehensive information about the pros and cons of statins. They should have access to tangible statistics on the potential prevention of heart attacks in relation to their personal health factors.
Natural and dietary options to improve cholesterol balance should also be considered. As practitioners, we have a responsibility to inform, educate, and empower our clients. We must always question the use of statins, especially in cases where otherwise unexplainable symptoms or the onset of symptoms occur after starting statins.
If a client has successfully used lifestyle and dietary changes to lower their cholesterol levels, they should be given the option to discontinue statin use. This isn’t about being “anti-medicine”; it’s about being pro-information and pro-choice.
In conclusion, the conversation about statins needs to be open, honest, and nuanced. There are valid concerns that need to be addressed, and it’s essential that people have all the information they need to make informed decisions about their health.
AUTHOR: TALITHA
I specialise in mental health (depression, stress, and anxiety), gut health (IBS), and women's health (preconception, fertility). I am a degree- qualified naturopath who LOVES helping people transform their health stories!!
