Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They are also called uterine fibroids or leiomyomas. These growths are very common, especially in women during their reproductive years. Many women may have fibroids and not even know it. But for some, fibroids can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as changes in body weight.
Weight gain can be frustrating, especially when you do not understand the cause. If you have been diagnosed with fibroids or suspect you have them, you may wonder if they are contributing to your weight gain. This article explores the relationship between fibroids and weight gain in simple terms, helping you understand how these growths may affect your body.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are made of muscle and fibrous tissue. They can grow inside the uterus, on the outer surface, or within the uterine wall. Fibroids can be as small as a seed or grow as large as a melon. In some cases, women can have just one fibroid, while others may have many.
The exact cause of fibroids is still unknown. However, hormones like estrogen and progesterone seem to play a role. These hormones help the uterus grow during pregnancy and also appear to encourage the growth of fibroids. Genetics and lifestyle may also contribute.
Symptoms of Fibroids
Fibroids can vary in size, number, and location, so the symptoms can be different for each woman. Some women do not experience any symptoms at all. Others may have heavy menstrual bleeding, pain during periods, pelvic pressure, or frequent urination.
In some cases, fibroids may cause bloating or swelling in the abdomen. This can lead to a feeling of fullness or heaviness. Women may even notice that their clothes no longer fit the same way around the waist or stomach. For these reasons, some women believe that fibroids are making them gain weight.
How Fibroids Can Cause Weight Gain
Fibroids themselves do not cause fat gain. They are solid growths, not fat tissue. However, they can increase the size and weight of the uterus. In rare cases, fibroids can weigh several pounds. If you have large fibroids or many of them, your uterus may become enlarged, which can make your abdomen look and feel bigger.
This enlargement can cause your belly to stick out, similar to bloating or even pregnancy. The added weight from the fibroids can also register on the scale, especially when they are very large. While this is not the same as gaining body fat, it still counts as weight gain on your body.
In addition to physical mass, fibroids may also trigger emotional and hormonal changes. Hormonal imbalances related to fibroids can affect appetite, water retention, and mood. These changes may indirectly lead to weight gain over time, particularly if you eat more or exercise less due to fatigue or discomfort.
Belly Bloating vs. True Weight Gain
It is important to understand the difference between belly bloating and true weight gain. Bloating happens when your stomach feels full or swollen. It can be caused by gas, fluid, or pressure. Fibroids can cause bloating by pressing on other organs, such as the intestines or bladder.
This bloated feeling can make you think you are gaining weight, even if your body fat has not increased. However, if fibroids are large and heavy, they do add to your actual body weight. For example, a fibroid that weighs five pounds is five pounds of extra body mass. Though this is not fat, it still affects how your body feels and looks.
Types of Fibroids and Their Impact on Weight
There are several types of fibroids, and their location can influence your symptoms, including weight-related ones.
Intramural fibroids grow within the muscle wall of the uterus. These are the most common type. When they are large, they can make the uterus expand, causing a swollen abdomen.
Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer surface of the uterus. These can press against other organs and create a visible bulge in the stomach. They may cause more noticeable weight gain due to their location and size.
Submucosal fibroids grow just under the lining of the uterus. These are less likely to cause visible swelling, but they can cause heavy bleeding and anemia.
Pedunculated fibroids are attached to the uterus by a stalk. These can grow in or out of the uterus. Their size can vary, and large ones can contribute to an increase in abdominal size and weight.
Emotional Impact and Lifestyle Factors
The physical symptoms of fibroids can affect your emotional health. Chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, and fatigue may lead to stress, anxiety, or depression. These emotional states may impact your eating habits. Some women may eat more for comfort, while others may exercise less due to pain or tiredness.
Over time, these changes in lifestyle can lead to real weight gain. For example, avoiding physical activity due to pelvic discomfort can reduce calorie burning. If this happens along with increased eating, your body may store the extra calories as fat, especially around the midsection.
Also, fibroids can interfere with sleep. If you have to wake up multiple times a night to urinate or if pain keeps you awake, your sleep quality suffers. Poor sleep is linked to weight gain, as it can disrupt hunger hormones and increase cravings for unhealthy food.
Diagnosing Fibroids and Weight Issues
If you suspect fibroids are affecting your weight or causing discomfort, it is important to see a doctor. A pelvic exam or imaging test such as an ultrasound or MRI can confirm if fibroids are present. Your doctor can check their size, location, and number.
If your fibroids are large, the doctor may estimate how much they are contributing to your overall body weight. If you are experiencing bloating or pressure in the abdomen, the size and position of fibroids might be to blame.
Your doctor may also check for other causes of weight gain, such as thyroid issues, hormonal imbalance, or lifestyle factors. Sometimes, weight gain may not be due to fibroids at all, but to other health conditions or changes in daily habits.
Treatment Options That May Affect Weight
If fibroids are causing discomfort or adding to your body weight, there are treatment options available. The type of treatment depends on your symptoms, age, and whether you want to become pregnant in the future.
Some non-surgical treatments, such as hormone therapy, can shrink fibroids. As the fibroids shrink, your uterus may return to a more normal size, and any weight directly caused by the fibroids may decrease. You may notice your belly becoming flatter and your clothes fitting better.
Surgical treatments, such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, may be recommended for large or painful fibroids. A myomectomy removes only the fibroids, while a hysterectomy removes the entire uterus. After surgery, the weight of the fibroids is gone, and many women notice a difference in how they feel and look.
Less invasive options like uterine artery embolization can block the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. As fibroids shrink, abdominal pressure may go down, and some weight may be reduced.
Healthy Weight Management With Fibroids
Managing your weight with fibroids can be challenging, but it is possible. Even if fibroids add some extra pounds, you can still take steps to stay healthy.
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can help. Reducing processed foods and sugary drinks is also helpful. Staying hydrated may reduce bloating and support digestion.
Exercise can improve your mood, increase energy, and help you maintain a healthy weight. Low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming are gentle on the body and may be easier if you have pelvic pain.
Stress management is also important. Chronic stress can lead to overeating or poor sleep. Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or spending time in nature can help you relax and feel more in control.
If you are unsure what steps to take, talking with a doctor or nutritionist can provide a personalized plan.
When to Seek Medical Help
You should seek medical help if you experience the following:
Abdominal swelling that does not go away
Sudden or unexplained weight gain
Heavy menstrual bleeding that soaks through pads quickly
Pelvic pain that interferes with daily life
Frequent urination or trouble emptying your bladder
Pain during sex or bowel movements
These symptoms may be linked to fibroids or another condition that needs medical attention. Early diagnosis can help you get the right treatment and feel better faster.
Conclusion
Fibroids can contribute to weight gain, but they do not cause fat gain directly. The growths themselves add physical weight, especially when they are large or numerous. They can also cause your abdomen to swell, leading to bloating or a heavier feeling.
In some cases, fibroids affect hormones, appetite, sleep, and activity levels. These changes can lead to true weight gain over time. However, with the right treatment and healthy lifestyle choices, you can manage your symptoms and take control of your weight.
If you suspect fibroids are affecting your body or well-being, do not hesitate to speak with a healthcare provider. There are many options available to help you feel better, inside and out.
Related Topics:
