Hormones play a significant role in the development and progression of lipedema, a chronic condition involving the abnormal accumulation of fat. The fat primarily accumulated in the legs, hips, as well as, the abdomen, and even the arms. This abnormal fat distribution leads to pain, swelling, and a compromised vascular system. Lipedema primary effects women, as estrogen is strongly implicated in its development. 

The onset and worsening of lipedema often coincides with hormonal shifts.  Puberty is the triggering factor in a women’s development of lipedema. It is at that time that her hormones dramatically shit and estrogen increases.  Once the onset of lipedema occurs it becomes a chronic, life long condition, with periods of exacerbation linked to pregnancy, as well as perimenopause and menopause. 

Hormonal birth control also plays a role in the worsening of lipedema symptoms on young girls and women.  Young girls are often given hormonal birth control to regulate their cycles. These synthetic hormones are linked to worsening lipedema symptoms. 

Estrogen promotes fat storage in the lower body. Often women with lipedema have a very small upper body and a much larger lower body; with thick hips, legs, and “cuffs” around their ankles, a large build up of dense fat. Lipedema fat is different that fat in the rest of your body. Lipedema fat is fiberous, dense, often hard to the touch and can feel like different size balls under your skin. Because this fat is abnormal fat and sits under the skin, it often can give you the look of having extreme cellulite, uneven skin texture, and tone.  This abnormal accumulation of fat under the skin can also lead to connective tissue changes, worsening your appearance. 

Just as estrogen encourages abnormal fat storage it also leads to vascular permeability. That means it increase the fragility of one’s vascular system. Leading to increases bruising, swelling, and leaking of blood vessels.

Estrogen does not work alone, its partner, progesterone, also effects the development of lipedema symptoms. Progesterone is linked to fluid build up and retention. This can increase the discomfort already present in lipedema, particularly around your menstrual cycle.

By now we know stress effects every system of your body.  Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone.  When the body is under stress, it increase the production of cortisol. An elevated cortisol level can prompt weight gain, the body’s inflammatory process, as well as, how effectively the body metabolizes fat. Elevated cortisol levels can worsen lipedema, leading to increased fat accumulation, swelling, as well as a decrease in metabolism. 

Chronic elevated cortisol and inflammation can lead one to show signs of insulin resistance. The is of particular importance in a women with lipedema, as insulin resistance promotes fat storage, particularly the storage of metabolically resistant fat, the fat found in lipedema. 

Women who suffer from lipedema often have hypothyroidism, low thyroid hormone levels. Having low thyroid hormone levels leads to a sluggish metabolism, which exacerbated fat accumulation and fluid retentions.

We are experts in treating and managing lipedema.  At New England Wellness Center we do not simply treat the symptoms of any chronic disease, we look for and treat it’s root cause. In the case of lipedema we look at your hormones, and treat any imbalances we find. We balance your thyroid, so your metabolism and natural fat burning capacity is at its most efficient. We measure your cortisol and how your body responds to and manages stress. We study the micorbiom of your gut, looking for inflammation and correcting any disbiosis we find.

At New England Wellness Center we understand you are a system of systems and any dis-regulation on one system, effects all your systems. Our holistic approach to your health and wellness strives to correct any and all imbalances we find, so that you may be your most vibrant self and live your most vibrant life. 

Awareness Is the First Step

Lipedema is more than a cosmetic concern—it’s a chronic medical condition that affects millions, often without a clear diagnosis or path forward. Understanding its symptoms, stages, and the physical and emotional toll it can take is critical to advocating for your health or supporting someone you love.

Found this helpful? Stay connected with New England Wellness Center for more expert insights on Lipedema and other wellness topics in Hingham, MA.

Treatments | Contact