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What Is Cyclical Edema?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Cyclical edema is a form of edema most commonly noted in women a few days prior to 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.

Cyclical edema is called idiopathic, since there is no known disease origin for the condition. It is thought that tiny blood vessels toward the surface of the skin may leak or break and provide an outlet for fluid to flow under the skin. This usually does not mean that bruising will take place, but one may notice more broken veins in the skin of women with this condition.

Cyclical edema occurs in some women a few days prior to their period.
Cyclical edema occurs in some women a few days prior to their period.

While many cases of edema are caused by heart problems, blood pressure issues, diabetes or liver disease, cyclical edema has few known causes. Women can take diuretics, which can help relieve fluid collection. Over time, the condition can worsen, causing unwanted cosmetic effects. Diuretic use may result in gradual worsening of the condition, and ultimately cause more problems than it initially solves.

Keeping the legs elevated may help treat cyclical edema.
Keeping the legs elevated may help treat cyclical edema.

Women using diuretics may develop a dependence upon them, which then rebounds. Thus in most cases, cyclical edema is not treated with diuretics because it will result in later unwanted effects. As well as additional swelling, use of diuretics may cause muscle cramping, pancreatitis, diabetes, and painful or swollen breasts.

Some elements that can help allay the condition are elevation of the swollen areas. For example, if the eyes are affected in the morning, sleeping in a slightly elevated position may alleviate some of the swelling. If legs become swollen from standing during the day, then elevation of the legs can help gradually reduce fluid accumulation.

Use of ACE inhibitors may help reduce swelling, but can have adverse affects on blood pressure.
Use of ACE inhibitors may help reduce swelling, but can have adverse affects on blood pressure.

Some doctors use ACE inhibitors or medications like ephedrine to reduce swelling. ACE inhibitors may however make blood pressure too low and is considered risky. Others may use pain medications. Stimulants may create a gradual dependence that also should be avoided. In most cases, there is no one right way to treat this uncomfortable and difficult condition.

Use of diuretics may cause muscle cramping.
Use of diuretics may cause muscle cramping.

When one suspects cyclical edema, this warrants a check-up with a physician to rule out other conditions which may result in fluid retention and swelling. Since there are many serious conditions which can result in edema, a physician may want to examine a patient’s heart function, kidney function and lung function to be certain that a diagnosis of cyclical edema is the correct one.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Speechie

@bluespirit - I have not tried these but I like them because they are both very natural. One very simple thing he can try is to elevate his legs.

The second is to go to an herbalist to get a concoction for tea. There are certain types of teas which are supposed to help this uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition.

bluespirit

Ah, just another medical issue to look forward to with my period! When I was in my early twenties I used to not have any cramps, and now I know exactly when the menstruation is starting.

It now starts with lower back pain and sharper cramps. But luckily if I just take a couple of Midol or other pain reliever for these symptoms, I am good to go.

I am not looking forward to fluid retention! I was reading this article because my father-in-law has serious fluid retention in his legs. It looks so painful. But because he is on so many medications he does not want to take another one.

I know there are different types of edema but thought I would look to see if anyone here has other ideas on homeopathic remedies?

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    • Cyclical edema occurs in some women a few days prior to their period.
      By: Dusan Kostic
      Cyclical edema occurs in some women a few days prior to their period.
    • Keeping the legs elevated may help treat cyclical edema.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Keeping the legs elevated may help treat cyclical edema.
    • Use of ACE inhibitors may help reduce swelling, but can have adverse affects on blood pressure.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Use of ACE inhibitors may help reduce swelling, but can have adverse affects on blood pressure.
    • Use of diuretics may cause muscle cramping.
      By: Maridav
      Use of diuretics may cause muscle cramping.
    • Kidney malfunction may result in edema.
      By: pixdesign123
      Kidney malfunction may result in edema.
    • Compression garments may be worn to reduce swelling in the legs.
      By: zest_marina
      Compression garments may be worn to reduce swelling in the legs.
    • Regular exercise may be helpful in treating leg edema.
      By: Maksim Toome
      Regular exercise may be helpful in treating leg edema.
    • Edema may occur as a result of diabetes.
      By: rkris
      Edema may occur as a result of diabetes.