Test ID: B-221 | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot | Test Method: Immunoassay | Results: 3–5 Working Days | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory – CLIA Certified | Report: Specialist Doctor Comment Included | Suitable For: Women | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
Could Your Cholesterol or Triglycerides Be Putting Your Heart at Risk?
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women — yet it is still widely perceived as a male problem. Many women with high cholesterol or lipid imbalance have no obvious symptoms, and their risk is frequently underestimated or untested. As oestrogen declines during perimenopause and menopause, LDL cholesterol typically rises, HDL falls, and triglycerides increase — often rapidly and without warning. Women on the contraceptive pill or HRT may also see significant shifts in their lipid profile. If you recognise any of the following, a lipid test could give you the clarity you need:
- Fatigue or low energy with no clear cause
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen or hips
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Family history of heart disease, stroke, or high cholesterol
- High-sugar or high-fat diet with little exercise
- Perimenopausal or postmenopausal and concerned about changing cardiovascular risk
- Currently taking the contraceptive pill, HRT, or cholesterol-lowering medication
- Diagnosed with PCOS, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes
- No recent cardiovascular blood test
What This Test Measures
Three essential cardiovascular and metabolic markers from a simple finger-prick dried blood spot:
- Total Cholesterol (CH) — your overall cholesterol level; a key indicator of cardiovascular health that can shift significantly during hormonal transitions in women
- HDL Cholesterol (HDL) — the protective “good” cholesterol that transports cholesterol away from arteries; HDL tends to decline with falling oestrogen and is particularly important to monitor in women after 40
- Triglycerides (TG) — blood fats linked to metabolic risk and cardiovascular disease; elevated triglycerides are a strong predictor of heart disease risk in women and are closely associated with insulin resistance and PCOS
Together these markers give a clear picture of your heart health, fat metabolism, and metabolic risk.
Lipid Test Reference Ranges
| Test | Unit | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol (CH) | mg/dL | 132–239 | 132–239 |
| HDL Cholesterol (HDL) | mg/dL | 40–60 | 40–60 |
| Triglycerides (TG) | mg/dL | <150 | <150 |
What Do These Lipid Markers Mean?
| Test | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol (CH) | Measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL, LDL and other cholesterol-carrying particles. Your result should be interpreted alongside HDL, LDL, triglycerides and personal cardiovascular risk factors. The laboratory reference interval is 132–239 mg/dL, but being within this interval does not necessarily mean the result is ideal. |
| HDL Cholesterol (HDL) | Often called “good cholesterol.” HDL helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL is generally considered more favourable. The stated laboratory range is 40–60 mg/dL. Healthy targets can differ by sex; HDL above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women is generally considered favourable. |
| Triglycerides (TG) | A type of fat used by the body to store energy. Elevated levels may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, particularly when combined with high LDL or low HDL. A fasting triglyceride result below 150 mg/dL is generally considered healthy. |
These results should not be considered individually. A healthcare professional may also consider LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, age and family history when assessing cardiovascular risk.
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Women with no recent cholesterol or lipid check
- Family history of heart disease, stroke, or high cholesterol
- Perimenopausal or postmenopausal — oestrogen decline directly shifts lipid balance
- Currently on HRT or the contraceptive pill — both can affect lipid levels
- Diagnosed with or suspected PCOS, metabolic syndrome, or insulin resistance
- Abdominal weight gain, poor diet, or limited exercise
- Anyone wanting a proactive approach to heart health and longevity
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered to your door
- Collect your sample at home — a simple finger-prick dried blood spot; no clinic or GP visit needed; fasting for 8–12 hours before collection is recommended for most accurate triglyceride results
- Post your sample to ZRT Laboratory using the return instructions provided
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample
What You Receive
- Total Cholesterol, HDL, and Triglycerides displayed clearly in graphics and numbers
- Written interpretation by a Specialist PhD Doctor including cardiovascular and metabolic risk assessment
- Guidance on what your results mean and what to do next
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast before collecting my sample?
Fasting for 8–12 hours before collection is recommended for the most accurate triglyceride result. Cholesterol and HDL are less affected by fasting but consistency improves comparability if you are monitoring over time.
How does menopause affect cholesterol?
Oestrogen plays a protective role in lipid metabolism. As oestrogen declines during perimenopause and menopause, LDL typically rises, HDL falls, and triglycerides increase — often significantly and without symptoms. Regular monitoring from perimenopause onwards is strongly recommended.
Does HRT affect lipid levels?
Yes. Different HRT formulations can have varying effects on cholesterol and triglycerides. Monitoring lipids during HRT helps confirm the cardiovascular impact is favourable and within a healthy range.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. You are only responsible for posting your sample to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.