Cyclic edema is a form of fluid retention commonly seen in women before their period, with no known cause. Diuretics can worsen the condition, and elevation of swollen areas may help. Doctors may use ACE inhibitors or pain medications to reduce swelling, but ruling out other conditions is important.
Cyclic edema is a form of edema most commonly seen in women a few days before their period. It tends to involve fluid retention and collection in the legs and women may also notice fluid retention under the eyes upon waking up.
Cyclic edema is called idiopathic, as the disease origin for the condition is not known. It is thought that tiny blood vessels towards the skin’s surface may leak or rupture and provide an outlet for fluid to flow under the skin. This does not usually mean that bruising will occur, but more broken veins may be seen in the skin of women with this condition.
While many cases of edema are caused by heart problems, blood pressure issues, diabetes, or liver disease, cyclic edema has few known causes. Women can take diuretics, which can help ease fluid collection. Over time, the condition can worsen, causing unwanted cosmetic effects. The use of diuretics can lead to a gradual worsening of the condition and eventually cause more problems than it initially solves.
Women who use diuretics may develop a dependence on them, which then kicks back. Therefore, in most cases, cyclic edema is not treated with diuretics because it will cause subsequent undesirable effects. In addition to additional bloating, the use of diuretics can cause muscle cramps, pancreatitis, diabetes, and painful or swollen breasts.
Some items that can help in appeasing the condition are elevation of the swollen areas. For example, if your eyes are affected in the morning, sleeping in a slightly elevated position can relieve some of the swelling. If your legs swell when you stand during the day, leg elevation can help gradually reduce fluid buildup.
Some doctors use ACE inhibitors or medications such as ephedrine to reduce swelling. However, ACE inhibitors can lower blood pressure and is considered risky. Others may use pain medications. Stimulants can be gradually addictive and should be avoided. In most cases, there is no right way to treat this uncomfortable and difficult condition.
When cyclic edema is suspected, it prompts a doctor’s review to rule out other conditions that can cause fluid retention and swelling. Because there are many serious conditions that can cause edema, a doctor may want to examine a patient’s heart, kidney, and lung function to be certain that a diagnosis of cyclic edema is the correct one.
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