Lipoedema

Resource type
Authors/contributors
Title
Lipoedema
Abstract
Lipoedema is a disease that affects women and is characterised by an abnormal accumulation of fatty tissue, with pain and a feeling of heaviness in the lower limbs. Approximately 30 % of patients also have involvement of the upper limbs. The cause of lipoedema is unknown, but familial clustering of the condition suggests an underlying genetic cause. Oestrogen and hormonal changes appear to be involved, as the condition occurs predominantly in women and is linked to hormonal fluctuations. In Norway, women with lipoedema have had limited access to treatment within the public health service, and the condition is relatively unknown among Norwegian healthcare personnel. Internationally, the diagnosis and treatment of lipoedema are largely based on consensus, as there is a lack of definitive scientific evidence in relation to pathophysiology and treatment. This clinical review presents lipoedema diagnostics and treatment based on clinical experience and international published consensus statements.
Publication
Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening: Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke
Volume
145
Issue
8
Date
2025-06-24
Journal Abbr
Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen
Language
eng, nor
ISSN
0807-7096
Library Catalog
PubMed
Citation
Ekerhovd, I. W., Frølich, H. S., Drotningsvik, A., Ausen, K., De Weerd, L., Hegard, W., & Skuladottir, H. (2025). Lipoedema. Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening: Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke, 145(8). https://doi.org/10.4045/tidsskr.24.0515