Becoming Aware That You're Not Just Fat, Part 2: Signs That Show You're Prone to Lipedema

These identifiers made me realize I had Lipedema

Hi Everyone,

When I was researching Lipedema, I didn’t know anything about the condition. I’d never heard of it as a nurse, and I’m familiar with many rare diseases.

But, I found out Lipedema isn’t so rare. In fact, it’s not rare at all (Well, it is rare in men). Lipedema can affect up to 11% of women. That is 1 in 9 women who have lipedema, which means you or someone you know has this disease.

With that many women, it would seem that Lipedema is as well-known as breast cancer, diabetes, or endometriosis.

However, Lipedema is one of the most under-diagnosed diseases known.

So, I dove head first into finding out about this disease after being diagnosed. Below is a list of identifiers for women to take into consideration if they fit into the model of someone with Lipedema.

Signs that you are prone to Lipedema

Again, this is not a diagnostic tool. This is guidance for you, so you can start finding answers to your health problems. These identifiers made me realize I had Lipedema. I have all of these signs. How many do you have?

• A genetic component: Does your mom, aunt, grandmother, or other female relative carry a lot of weight in her butt and thighs with rippled cellulite? Does she have cankles (thick, swollen ankles)? If you have a female relative with lipedema, you’re more likely to have it too.

• Hypermobility: Can you bend forward and lay your palms flat on the floor without bending your knees? Can you pull your thumb down and touch it to your forearm? Can you hyperextend your elbow? This is hypermobility. Women with lipedema are usually hypermobile.

• You can’t lose weight no matter how much you diet and exercise: Although you may not be obese, there will come the point when you can’t lose weight. Lipedema shows itself during three significant hormonal surges in a woman’s life: puberty, childbirth, and menopause. If you’ve found it impossible to lose weight after one of these life events, this may indicate lipedema.

• Bruises easily: Have you looked down and found bruises on your legs and have no idea how you got them? Women with lipedema bruise easily. We usually have a bruise somewhere on our body, and we have no idea how we got it.

• Hypothermic skin: Is your skin cool to the touch and spongy in the areas where the fatty tissue collects? These areas are mostly the hips, thighs, and/or buttocks, but they can be anywhere on your body.

• Brain fog: Are there times when you can’t think straight or feel a bit dazed. This is brain fog, and women with lipedema experience this symptom.

• You’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia: Many women with lipedema get wrongly diagnosed with fibromyalgia. This is because there are overlapping signs and symptoms of both diseases. If you want to read more about this, go here (I’ll address this in a future newsletter).

When I read these identifiers, it was like a lightbulb went off in my head. I cried. I finally realized what was wrong with me. The more I read about Lipedema, the more I saw myself. I found help to start my healing journey. I want to help you too. If you think someone would benefit from this writing, you can share this article by hitting the button below:

If you’ve been already diagnosed, or think you or someone you know may have Lipedema, this newsletter is a great way to start your journey towards healing.

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In the meantime, take care of yourself,

Michelle