MRCP2-1200

MRCP2-1200

A 35-year-old female patient presents to her GP requesting a cholesterol check. She has a medical history of endometriosis and controlled type 2 diabetes through diet. She drinks a glass of red wine every evening and exercises regularly. She is currently taking oral contraceptives.
The results of her tests are as follows:
Test Result Normal Range
LDL cholesterol 4.8 mmol/l < 3.5 mmol/l
Triglycerides 1.9 mmol/l 0–1.5 mmol/l
HDL cholesterol 0.7 mmol/l > 1.0 mmol/l
What is the most likely reason for the patient’s low HDL cholesterol levels?