High cholesterol is a condition in which you have too many lipids (fats) in your blood. Lifestyle factors and genetics both play a role in causing high cholesterol. Here are some factors that can cause high cholesterol in women:

• Unhealthy diet: Eating too many foods that are high in saturated fat can increase your cholesterol level. Saturated fats are found in fatty cuts of meat and full-fat dairy products. Trans fats are often found in packaged snacks or desserts.

• Being overweight or obese: Having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater puts you at risk of high cholesterol.

• Inactivity: Lack of physical activity can contribute to harmful cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

• Smoking: Smoking lowers your "good cholesterol" (HDL) and raises your "bad cholesterol" (LDL) .

• Stress: Stress triggers hormonal changes that cause your body to produce cholesterol.

• Menopause: When estrogen falls after menopause, your cholesterol goes up. Research shows that LDL and total cholesterol levels rise around and after your final period. Women also gain an average of 8 to 10 pounds after menopause, which can up the risk of high cholesterol.

• Pregnancy: During pregnancy, your body uses cholesterol to help the fetus grow and develop. Thats why your cholesterol levels may rise up to 50% in the second and third trimesters. They can stay elevated for about a month after birth. This temporary spike usually doesnt harm the mom or baby. But if you already have high cholesterol, your doctor will want to keep track of your levels.

• Medical conditions: Medical conditions that can cause unhealthy cholesterol levels include chronic kidney disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, hypothyroidism, and lupus. Some drugs may have an unexpected effect on your cholesterol. These include certain birth control pills, retinoids, corticosteroids, antivirals, and anticonvulsants. Some medicines for high blood pressure, such as diuretics and older forms of beta-blockers, can also raise your cholesterol.

Its important to note that high cholesterol can be inherited, but its often the result of unhealthy lifestyle choices, which make it preventable and treatable.