Lipedema Treatment

Treatment for lipedema is essentially the same as lymphedema treatment and should start early, without waiting for visible swelling (edema) to develop. Lipedema fat can be very touch sensitive and may require very gentle treatment or treatment modifications. Pain and touch sensitivity typically decrease with compression, MLD, and careful pump treatment (intermittent pneumatic compression).

There are women with lipedema who have achieved and maintained a normal body profile and our recommendations incorporate lessons from their experiences. We have seen slow, gradual, fat loss in women with lipedema on a whole food plant-based diet rich in omega-3 fats and rainbow-colored vegetables and fruits.

Other Lipedema Health Care Considerations

Women with lipedema are likely to have other health issues including:

  • Thyroid abnormalities

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Nutritional deficiencies, especially Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and iron.

  • Orthopedic issues including joint hypermobility, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome hypermobility type, flat feet, gait issues, knee problems, and arthritis.

  • Psychological issues including depression or anxiety

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Diabetes or pre-diabetes (metabolic syndrome)

  • Migraines

  • Dysmenorrhea, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cysts

  • Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, low gut motility, trouble digesting meats or fats, etc.

  • Dercum’s disease (adiposis dolorosa)

It may be appropriate to:

  • Monitor thyroid levels and replace thyroid hormone when hypothyroidism is present to minimize weight gain.

  • Minimize added estrogens from contraceptive pills or implants. IUDs with estrogen do not appear to impact lipedema.

  • Avoid high dose hormone replacement therapy after the menopause. It is unclear what effect hormone replacement therapy has on lipedema fat during this phase of life.

  • Avoid topical estrogens other than vaginal creams.

Portions adapted from Lymphedema and Lipedema Nutrition Guide, Lymph Notes 2016 by permission of the publisher.