To this day, the exact mechanism that determines the correlation between lipedema and hormonal changes is not fully understood. Nevertheless, the hormonal profile and hormonal shifts in a woman’s life appear to play a major role in the manifestation of lipedema—equally significant as heredity.
Estrogens and female hormones in general affect lipedema, but it is clear that hormonal changes can lead to a rapid onset or worsening of the condition. Iatrogenic factors such as gynecological surgeries, IVF treatments, and contraceptives can also trigger or aggravate lipedema.
Furthermore, lipedema and hormonal changes are never observed in men, which underlines their direct connection with estrogen.
Lipedema and Hormonal Changes During Puberty:
Symptoms, Predispositions, and Anatomical Signs
The first manifestation of lipedema due to hormonal changes typically occurs during puberty. It often becomes noticeable in girls, whether overweight or of normal weight, with signs resembling cellulite around the thighs and hips.
Even before puberty, predisposition to lipedema and obesity may be observed in the area around the knees. A typical distribution pattern appears consistently in lipedema patients: around the kneecap, on the inner side of the knee, and just below the knee on the inner side, where a small symmetrical fat bulge forms—something not usually seen in most people.
The link between lipedema and hormonal changes is especially strong during these years due to increased hormone production.
Lipedema and Hormonal Changes During Pregnancy and Menopause:
Effects, Triggers, and Weight Management
Many women report that lipedema first appeared or worsened significantly during pregnancy. Some describe gaining more than 20 kg despite careful dieting, accompanied by dramatic worsening in the appearance of the lower limbs.
Others note that worsening occurred during their second or third pregnancy, or during fertility treatments such as IVF.
Menopause also appears to significantly intensify the severity of lipedema. With the cessation of menstruation and the hormonal changes of perimenopause, lipedema often worsens considerably.
This stage is frequently accompanied by significant weight gain, which further enlarges fat deposits in the limbs.Book your consultation today with Dr. Prodromos Papaioannou, a plastic surgeon specialized in lipedema treatment, and get answers to all your questions.
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Lipedema treatment focuses on body harmony—without pain, swelling, or unnecessary exhaustion.
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Self-Diagnosis of Lipedema
Self-diagnosis of lipedema can prove to be particularly useful.
Lipedema and Nutrition
The role of nutrition in lipedema is very important, as certain foods significantly affect both the progression and treatment of the condition.
Lipedema and Genetics
Statistical data shows a correlation between lipedema and heredity.
Lipedema and Hormonal Changes
A woman’s hormonal profile and hormonal changes throughout her life play a major role in the onset of lipedema.
Lipedema and Obesity
Body weight plays a significant role in the manifestation of lipedema, but in turn, lipedema often leads to difficulty in maintaining a healthy body weight.
Lipedema Treatment with Liposuction
To this day, liposuction remains the most recommended and widely accepted treatment for lipedema at any stage or extent.
Conservative Management
Conservative treatment usually focuses on lifestyle and dietary changes, aiming to improve lipid balance in the female body.
After Liposuction for Lipedema
Recovery after liposuction is a critical phase for the successful outcome of the procedure.
Surgical Correction of Skin Laxity
A common concern among lipedema patients is what will happen to the skin after weight loss or extensive liposuction.
Dr. Prodromos Papaioannou
He completed his specialty in Plastic Surgery in Germany, at Pirmasens Hospital, Asklepios Wandsbek Hospitals in Hamburg, the University Hospital of Magdeburg, and the Braunschweig Clinic. He worked as a specialist–deputy director at the Braunschweig Clinic (specializing in breast reconstruction after cancer and aesthetic surgery). He also participated in scientific research and completed his doctoral thesis (Dr. Med.) at the University Hospital of Magdeburg.