Some of the most commonly asked questions in regards to uterine fibroids is whether or not they cause weight gain.
Perhaps you’ve noticed some fluctuations on the scale, and you’re puzzled as to whether or not the fibroids might be to blame.
If you’ve found yourself asking this question, then don’t worry, you’re not alone. Below, we’ve compiled this handy guide that will take you through the symptoms associated with uterine fibroids, including weight gain.
To find out more, simply keep reading below, as we take a closer look.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Now, before we dive straight in, first, let’s take a closer look at what uterine fibroids really are, for those reading this article who don’t already know.
Uterine fibroids are a common issue experienced by many women, and are benign growths that grow around the uterine section of the reproductive system.
They are made up of a combination of fibrous tissue, and muscle. They can come in a wide variety of different sizes, so not everyone’s uterine fibroids will look the same.
Some people may experience uterine fibroids, but don’t actually have any symptoms that are associated with these growths. Other times, they can cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms that we’ll be discussing below.
Fibroids happen because of an increase in oestrogen in a woman’s body, and when your period stops, and the oestrogen levels are lowered again, the fibroids will shrink.
They are most common in women who are between the ages of 30 and 50.
One of the most astounding things about fibroids is how large they can actually grow. Some women have even grown fibroids that are roughly the size of a five month pregnancy.
Can Uterine Fibroids Actually Cause You To Gain Weight?
So, why don’t we just jump straight into the topic at hand? Can uterine fibroids really cause you to gain weight?
The simple answer to this question is – yes uterine fibroids can cause weight gain in women. But why does this happen?
Well, the reason why your fibroids may be causing weight gain symptoms is because they’re particularly large. The larger the uterine fibroid grows, the more mass you will present on the scale.
As we mentioned above, it is not atypical for uterine fibroids to grow particularly large, and so you could see yourself putting on pounds and pounds of weight.
In addition to this, you may notice the weight gain visually, as well as on the scale. Uterine fibroids will be growing in your abdominal region, in the lower portion of your belly, which is most often noticeable as you gain weight.
You may notice a protrusion in this area as the fibroids grow.
If your uterine fibroid is larger than a grapefruit, then you will need to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible, as this means it could impact the other organs in the surrounding region.
Another reason why you might be struggling with your weight if you’re experiencing uterine fibroids, is because they can actually cause anaemia within patients.
So, one of the key symptoms associated with uterine fibroids is that they cause very heavy periods. The amount of blood that’s lost can impact your quality of life, and cause an iron deficiency in your body.
When your body is running low on iron, this also makes it more difficult for you to perform any type of exercise, as you’ll have very little energy. This can also lead to weight gain, as you practise an increasingly sedentary lifestyle.
This is why it’s so important to consult your GP if you think you might be suffering from uterine fibroids, as it can really impact the quality of your life.
After you visit the GP, they might send you for some ultrasound scans so they can get a closer look at your fibroids, and formally diagnose you.
What Are Some Other Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids?
Determining whether or not you have uterine fibroids can be tricky at first, but once you’ve got a good grasp on the symptoms, you’ll be able to get a clearer picture of what you’re dealing with.
As we mentioned above, one of the most common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids is heavy bleeding during your period.
Your periods may actually be so heavy, that you feel incredibly low in energy during this phase of the month.
As well as experiencing very heavy bleeding, uterine fibroids also cause very painful periods.
You may experience severe cramps that begin on the first day of your period, and are painful all the way through the duration of your period.
Another symptom that many women report in terms of uterine fibroids are constipation, or a need to urinate on a more frequent basis. Finally, you may also experience painful penetrative sex.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, uterine fibroids can cause weight gain for a few different reasons, the key one being the mass of the fibroid growing in your body. It can also cause weight gain because of the heavy bleeding experienced each month during your period.
The loss of blood can cause anaemia, which prevents you from doing any physical exercise.
I'm Clare, the owner and operator of Off The Couch, where I serve as a qualified Nutrition & Health Coach.
Based in Dublin, Ireland, I offer coaching services both locally and globally, providing personalized strategies in nutrition, stress management, sleep quality, and fitness.
My journey into this field began as I navigated my own chronic illnesses, including early menopause, Interstitial Cystitis, Lyme Disease, and hydrocephalus.
