Pregnancy can trigger Lipedema--Find out about this undiagnosed disease!
I wanted to take a moment and shine a light on the common and under-recognized disease affecting as many as 1 in 11 women. It’s called Lipedema.
Lipedema presents and gets worse at times of hormonal shifts- puberty, PREGNANCY, peri-menopause and menopause!
My good friend, Lisa Duerre suffered undiagnosed with this disease for a lifetime. She spent decades of dieting, exercising, and self-blaming when her legs and arms didn’t look like everyone else’s. When she hit menopause, her legs were so swollen, she was having a hard time walking a flight of stairs. Lisa's step-mother could see her declining mobility was causing her pain and shame and started researching what could be the cause of Lisa’s symptoms. She shared literature on Lipedema and Lisa immediately saw pictures of legs and arms that looked like hers and began to understand that her weight struggles were actually rooted in disease!!!
Once Lisa identified all the similarities between her weight and swelling struggles and started to understand more about Lipedema, she found the right contacts who were knowledgeable in this disease and eventually properly diagnosed her. Now, it is Lisa's mission to shine a light on Lipedema so no other women has to suffer in shame and self-blame or lose their mobility over time.
It is important to note that lipedema can be easily misdiagnosed as obesity, so it is recommended to see a healthcare professional if you suspect you may have this condition. Here are some helpful things to know about it.
What is Lipedema?
Lipedema is a chronic medical condition that primarily affects women and is characterized by a disproportionate accumulation of fat in the legs, thighs, buttocks and in some cases upper arms often leading to enlarged lower body.
This shows up at a time of hormonal shifts- puberty, PREGNANCY, peri-menopause and menopause.
What to look for?
Pain and/or hypersensitivity
Bilateral uncontrollable swelling of the legs and/or arms that worsens with prolonged standing or sitting
Fat deposits that are resistant to weight loss efforts, including diet and exercise.
"Column-like" appearance to the legs, with a distinct boundary between the affected area and the ankles.
Mattress like dimpling in skin tissue, especially the thighs
Easy bruising, especially in the affected areas.
Reduced flexibility and mobility due to the size and shape of the affected areas.
Check out my conversation with Lisa to hear more about her experience or listen Lisa's podcast episode to hear more details and medical insights from two world renowned experts.
Watch my interview with Lisa Duerre talk about her struggle and insights into learning to live with Lipedema
Innovation Happens When Leaders Don't Have All the Answers| Special Edition: Lipedema Awareness
Although there is no known cure for lipedema, there are various treatments available that can help manage its symptoms. Here are some of the most common treatments for lipedema:
Compression Therapy: This involves wearing compression garments, such as stockings or leggings, that provide pressure to the affected area to improve circulation and reduce swelling
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): This is a specialized form of massage that uses gentle pressure and rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote drainage of excess fluid from the affected area.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): This involves the use of low-intensity lasers to stimulate the lymphatic system and improve circulation, which can help reduce swelling and pain.
Surgery: In severe cases of lipedema, surgery may be necessary to remove the excess fat from the affected area. There are several types of liposuction that can be used to treat lipedema, including tumescent liposuction and water-assisted liposuction.
Exercise and Diet: While exercise and diet alone cannot cure lipedema, they can help manage its symptoms by improving overall health and reducing inflammation. Low-impact exercises like swimming and walking, and a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can be helpful.
It's important to note that treatment for lipedema is highly individualized and may involve a combination of different approaches. Consultation with a healthcare professional experienced in treating lipedema can help determine the most appropriate course of treatment for each individual.
To learn more about Lipedema check out:
Lipedema Simplified Website: https://lipedema-simplified.org
The Lipedma Project : https://www.facebook.com/LipedemaProject
The Disease They Call Fat Documentary https://youtu.be/qeqZ0oBDpNk
To learn more about Lisa Duerre: