Water Retention and Accutane

[earthdog]

I already had a problem with water retention from my TRT. My last labs showed normal E2 but high total E. About one month ago, I started on Accutane, 40mg per day. My dermatologist feels that low doses over long periods are the best way to go. Anyway, lately the water retention has become unbearable. Can Accutane cause water retention, even at a low dose? I weigh about 215 currently.

 

[robertin75]

Hi earthdog:

Could you post your E2 and Total E tests resuts please?

Also, what are the feelings of water retention? Is it swelling and edema? Or can it be something like feeling that your stomach is full of water even when you are fasting?

Thanks,
Roberto

 

[pmgamer18]

When I am holding water my hands and feet swell.
Phil

 

[Glaim]

Edema can be a side effect...but I've personally never experienced it while using accutane. I get bad water retention (20+ lbs if I eat like it's my job), but it's usually if my diet is horrible.

 

[earthdog]

Hi earthdog:

Could you post your E2 and Total E tests resuts please?

Also, what are the feelings of water retention? Is it swelling and edema? Or can it be something like feeling that your stomach is full of water even when you are fasting?

Thanks,
Roberto

My E2 was 22 with a range of 13-54. My total E was 153, with a range of 130 or less. The visible symptoms are that my hands, feet and ankles swell. When I pull my socks off, I have deep indentations, and the part of my ankle that was covered by the sock is significantly smaller than the part above. I also feel like my torso is "full", meaning, my chest and gut are kind of packed. I even have some shortness of breath when the water retention is at its worst. Also, when jogging on the treadmill, my shins get so "pumped" that it becomes too painful to even walk. And my face looks round.

 

[earthdog]

Edema can be a side effect...but I've personally never experienced it while using accutane. I get bad water retention (20+ lbs if I eat like it's my job), but it's usually if my diet is horrible.

My PCP did suggest that the last time I saw him, basically that losing weight would help with the water retention. But that was before the Accutane, before it got really bad.