How quickly can your hdl cholesterol levels change?

Depends: The rate of change in HDL levels can depend upon the specific intervention. For example, discontinuation of smoking and begining an exercise program can take awhile to notice changes. Drugs may act more quickly. If changes are going to occur, they are usually noticeable within 12-16 weeks after initiating therapy.

Depends on Change: Hdl levels change based on the intervention. If a patient starts to loose weight, or change diet, or increase exercise, stop smoking or HDL will gradually increase over months. Medications that raise cholesterol can do it more rapidly, however, current guidelines do not recommend raising HDL cholesterol with medications. If your HDL cholesterol is low or high, it is worth being evaluated for this.

6 months: For lifestyle changes of diet & weight loss & tobacco cessation & exercise to see full effect.