What should you know about cholesterol too low?

Many people have low cholesterol because of healthy habits or treatment that is working as intended. A lower result can also occur with reduced food intake, poor absorption, an overactive thyroid, liver disease or another illness. The meaning depends on which part of the panel is low, how the result compares with earlier tests and whether you have symptoms.

Low cholesterol itself often causes no noticeable symptom. Tiredness, weight loss, diarrhoea, poor appetite or a racing heartbeat may point to another issue that needs assessment; they do not identify a cause by themselves. Do not assume that a low value means you should eat more saturated fat or stop medicine.

Arrange a routine review and take the full report, medicine list and recent weight or appetite changes. The clinician may repeat the [Cholesterol Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/cholesterol-test/) and consider other blood tests. Eat regularly with adequate protein and energy; if intake, absorption or weight is a concern, [Nutrition Counselling](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/nutrition-counselling/) can help. If you take [Statin Therapy](/treatments/medical-management/statin-therapy/), ask before changing the dose.

Contact a clinician soon if low cholesterol accompanies unplanned weight loss, persistent diarrhoea, marked fatigue, yellowing of the skin, tremor or a fast heartbeat. Seek urgent care for chest pain, fainting, severe breathlessness, sudden weakness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking. These symptoms require assessment whether cholesterol is low, high or normal.

Which part of my panel is low? Could my medicine explain it? Should we check thyroid, liver, nutrition or absorption? Has my weight or appetite changed in a clinically meaningful way? When should the test be repeated?