There is not very much written about this uncommon disease which occurs primarily in women. It results in large weight gain shifts from morning to evening. This condition can result in moderate discomfort or pain in any of the areas of excess fluid accumulation. Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms, diffuse aching, morning stiffness and muscle and bony pains as well as headaches often accompany the swelling. It can also masquerade as premenstrual syndrome or make existing premenstrual syndrome worse.
Some treatments seem to worsen idiopathic cyclic edema.
If the chronic use of diuretics is discontinued, the cyclical swelling disappears in most cases within about 3 weeks. There is no single, accepted gold standard treatment for idiopathic cyclic edema. Several different treatments have been reported. An older report indicates that the herb ginkgo biloba may be useful in treating this condition. It works against a kidney hormone called aldosterone which is elevated in this condition and causes excess salt and water retention.