Idiopathic edema

Idiopathic edema is a common disorder in younger women. In some cases, edema may be induced by abuse of diuretics for the purpose of weight reduction. In other cases, the pathogenesis of edema is obscure. Increased orthostatic fluid retention secondary to abnormal orthostatic venous 'pooling' and shifting of intravascular fluid into the interstitial space may play a role. Secondary hyperaldosteronism, if present, is usually due to diuretic treatment. Abnormalities in prolactin secretion are probably not a cause of idiopathic edema.