Definition: Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. MedlinePlus explains that they come from fats in food and from extra calories the body does not need right away, which it turns into triglycerides and stores in fat cells for later energy. They are measured on the same blood test as cholesterol, the lipid panel.
| Category | Level |
|---|---|
| Normal | Under 150 |
| Borderline high | 150 to 199 |
| High | 200 to 499 |
| Very high | 500 and above |
MedlinePlus says levels above 150 mg/dL may raise heart disease risk, and 150 or more is one of the risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
Very high triglycerides can inflame the pancreas. The Premarin and estradiol tablet labels say estrogen may raise triglycerides and lead to pancreatitis in people who already have high levels. Clomid lists high triglycerides, sometimes with pancreatitis, among reports after approval. Tradjenta reported high triglycerides in 2.4% vs 0% on placebo when added to a sulfonylurea, and Serostim lists them among growth hormone side effects. Kyzatrex reported a drop in triglycerides and other lipids on oral testosterone.
Triglycerides swing with recent meals and alcohol, so a result means more when the lab notes whether it was fasting. Keeping each result with its date and fasting status, next to medicine start dates, makes a trend easier to read.
Read more on Dose Track: Cholesterol and blood fats · Does TRT affect cholesterol? · Clomid side effects · Premarin side effects