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What can I do for the water retention and moon face effect?

AlphaMD's Answer

Moon face is typically due to water retention. This can be multifactorial, either from too much estrogen, progesterone, or aldosterone, or cortisol; or a combination of these factors.

Because this is such a broad topic, and is often caused by different issues in different individuals, I will list some general advice to try, but you should definitely speak with your doctor for a more personalized plan to treat it.


  • Get your labs done and know your levels. You may want to check the levels of the hormones listed above, which are not always checked in regular labs.

  • First thing to account for would be to make sure your estrogen level is controlled. Many men will develop water retention at an E2 level of about 40 and above.

  • Reduce your salt intake. Reduce your simple carbs and drink more plain water (to remove any retained sodium).

  • Add dandelion root (a mild diuretic).

  • Increase fiber content.

  • Lowering your testosterone dose can often help.

  • Add a potassium supplement

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