How do I know if I have lipoedema?

Recognising the signs and distinguishing lipoedema from other conditions can put you on the path to clinical diagnosis, and help you take control of your health.  But while self-diagnosis can be a helpful first step, it’s important to also seek  to seek a clinical diagnosis to confirm the condition and rule out other potential issues.

By learning how to identify lipoedema at home, you can better understand your symptoms and take the necessary steps towards managing the condition. 

Self diagnosis

 

To accurately identify lipedema at home, you need to become familiar with lipoedema symptoms, causes, types and stages.  Use the Self Diagnosis Video below by Dr David Amron to assess your body for lipoedema, and use the Symptom Checklist from Lipoedema Australia to record your symptoms for your doctor. Then scroll further for detail on the Types and Stages of Lipoedema to get an early understanding of which type and stage you may have – your doctor will also assess this during clinical assessment and diagnosis. 

Self Diagnosis Video

Symptom Checklist

 

There are 5 types of lipoedema categorised by the area of the body they impact and it’s not uncommon to have a combination:

Type 1: Build up of lipoedema tissue between the navel and hips – pelvis, buttocks and hips. This type has a distinctive ‘saddlebag’ appearance.

Type 2: Buildup of lipoedema tissue from buttocks to knees, with folds of fat around the inner side of the knee. More common than Type 1 and causes swelling and fat buildup from the waist to the knees.

Type 3: Buildup of lipoedema tissue from the buttocks to ankles. Most common type found in women and affects the enitre lower body which causes it to become disproportionate to the rest of the body.

Type 4: Buildup of lipoedema tissue in the upper arms, lower arms or both.

Type 5: Buildup of lipoedema tissue in the lower legs i.e calves

Lipoedema is a progressive condition, which means it gets worse over time if left untreated. The progression is broken down into 4 categories:

Stage 1: Early stage lipoedema

  • Increase in fat accumulation around the pelvis, buttocks, and hips
  • Swelling worsens throughout the day but typically resolves with rest and elevation
  • Skin often remains smooth
  • Symptoms such as pain, excessive bruising, heaviness and swelling can be mild, moderate or severe with this stage

Stage 2: Mid stage lipoedema

  • Skin starts to develop indentations
  • Subcutaneous tissue feels tougher and more nodular
  • Lipomas, or fatty lumps, may be present
  • Fat buildup becomes more noticeable on the upper and lower legs, extending towards the ankles
  • Swelling is often more significant in this stage
  • Swelling is less affected by rest and elevation compared to Stage 1
  • Symptoms such as pain, excessive bruising, heaviness and swelling may be mild, moderate, or severe with this stage

Stage 3: Advanced stage lipoedema

  • Further hardening of connective tissues and persistent swelling that does not resolve with rest and elevation
  • Large extrusions of fatty tissue cause thigh and knee deformations, impacting mobility and quality of life
  • This stage may also be associated with the development of secondary lymphedema or secondary obesity
  • Stage 3 lipoedema has the highest rate of orthopaedic complications
  • Symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe with this stage

Stage 4: Lipolymphedema

  • Both lipedema and lymphedema are present in the body
  • Large overhangs of tissue on legs and/or arms

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