July’s Lipedema Patient Roundtable featured a powerful conversation on a topic that’s top of mind for many in the community: menopause and lipedema. Our special guest, Celia Egan, MD, MSCP, DABOM, is a dedicated advocate for women’s metabolic health and the Director of Obesity Medicine & Metabolic Health at True Women’s Health in Grand Rapids, MI.
Dr. Egan’s recent talk at the 2025 Fat Disorders Resource Society Conference, “Diagnosis and Treatment of Lipedema in a Menopause Clinic,” emphasized the importance of thoughtful, individualized care during this pivotal stage of life. She explored questions that many patients face:
- How do hormonal changes during menopause affect lipedema?
- Can hormone therapy help — or worsen — symptoms?
- Are there risks in common treatments like patches and creams that may contain endocrine disruptors?
Our panel didn’t shy away from the hard stuff, sharing lived experiences such as this moment from Siouxie Boshoff: “Perimenopause triggered my progression like crazy!” The discussion covered hormone-related heat, supplements, sleep, and the interplay between hormone therapy and GLP-1 medications. While there are no silver bullets for lipedema, a comprehensive and personalized approach — including compression, individualized eating plans, and restorative sleep — can make a significant difference.
Summer’s heat brought another layer to the conversation. It’s not just uncomfortable — it can be inflammatory and disrupt lymphatic flow. Jenny Beaujean, representing the Lipedema and Food Sensitivities Facebook community founded by Cheryl Scoledge, pointed viewers to a free Summer Heat Survival Guide, available here: https://lipedemadiva.com/?s=Summer+Heat
In a moment of reflection, panelists imagined the words they’d put on a banner to encourage others living with lipedema. Advice ranged from “Stop leaning on Dr. Google,” to “Don’t give up!” and a reminder from Angelique Charles: “You deserve good health at any size.”
As always, thank you to our vibrant chat community for your energy, questions, and encouragement — and to our incredible anchor panelists who show up month after month with honesty, humor, and heart:
- Jenny Beaujean (@Jenny_Beajean)
- Siouxie Boshoff (@lipedema.living)
- Angelique Charles (@TheLippyButterfly)
- Dr. Celia Egan (@CeliaEganMD)
- Linda Anne Kahn (@lindaannekahn)
- Brenda Viola (@BrendaViola_ViciCommunications)
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with lipedema for years, the Lipedema Patient Roundtables offer a supportive, judgment-free space to connect, learn, and share. Held monthly and sponsored by Lympha Press, these conversations are designed to empower you with insights from others on a similar path. Learn more about our therapy solutions at lymphapress.com.
This Roundtable was originally recorded live on July 16, 2025, and has been edited for time. The views and opinions expressed in this Patient Roundtable are those of the individual participants and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Lympha Press.
This video is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition or treatment.