Fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone are the primary hormones implicated in causing swelling, particularly in the extremities like feet, legs, and ankles.
How Hormones Contribute to Swelling
Hormone-related swelling (edema) occurs due to several mechanisms:
-
Vasodilation: Estrogen can cause blood vessels to dilate (widen). This can lead to fluid leaking out of the blood vessels and accumulating in the tissues, leading to swelling.
-
Fluid Retention: Both estrogen and progesterone can affect how the body retains fluids and sodium. Elevated levels can lead to increased fluid retention, contributing to swelling. Fluctuations, especially during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or hormone therapies, can exacerbate this.
-
Decreased Blood Flow: Fluctuating progesterone and estrogen levels can sometimes lead to decreased blood flow in the legs, contributing to swelling in the feet and ankles.
Hormonal Therapies and Swelling
Certain hormone treatments can also induce swelling as a side effect:
- Steroids: Can cause fluid retention.
- Contraceptives with Estrogen: Estrogen in birth control pills may lead to swelling in some individuals.
- Aromatase Inhibitors: While these drugs decrease estrogen, the hormonal shift can still cause side effects, including swelling, in some patients.
- Androgens: Can sometimes lead to fluid retention.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While mild swelling related to hormonal fluctuations is common, persistent or severe swelling should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out other underlying causes, such as heart, kidney, or liver problems.
