The first thing I see as I review her history is that her TSH started rising about the same time as her cholesterol. The two are definitely related as the decline in thyroids effectiveness, cholesterol level will be made by the body in excessive quanities. A TSH of 6 can cause symptoms and she should be down around a 2.5. Her low blood pressure is to be of concern. The effects you are worried about with statins on muscles in general is due, in part, because doctors do not realize the effects statins have on our coenzyme Q10 levels which frequently need supplementation concurrently with the statin medication. Please look for a highly absorbable coenzyme q10 and don t forget to tell your doctor you are on it. So, before asking the doctor about changing her statin, let us get her thryoid fixed first meaning you are looking for a TSH of no higher than 2.5. If the Synthroid does not seem to be working assure that iodized salt is freely used (which also might help her blood pressure to increase) along with a source of selenium ( found in chopped Brazil Nuts). Iodine should not be increased without addressing selenium as well. After her thyroid normalizes, ask the doctor for another lipid panel. If the values look good, then ask him if he could try lowering the dose a little more and so on. If adding salt doesn t increase her bp to 100/80, it would be a contraindication to take the 1200 IU of coenqyme Q10. So, until we get her blood pressure up, she can t take the supplement she is probably depleted in. Try her on a heart healthy diet with water soluble fibers like oats, fresh fruit, lean proteins (dannon greek 90 kcals),etc; lower total fat to under 30% total kcals, eliminate trans fat, lower saturated fat, . I hope I have made it clear that I did not see the side-effects you mentioned her our PDR on Stalevo. Anyone with lipids that high based on evidence based guidelines should be on a statin. The side-effects of statin can be treated with a minimum of 1200 IU coenqyme Q10, but that supplement lowers blood pressure so it can t be taken until her blood pressure increases to a safe level. She is a fall risk at this level as well. Please assure her calcium intake is 800 per day or take calcium citrate (not carbonate or oxide). Have dr. check vit. D level and replace if necessary. Your question regarding alternative meds is premature at this time. Please try suggestions above first. thank you kindly for using HCM.