🩺 Do Fibroids Cause Weight Gain? A Doctor Explains the Link
🩺 Do Fibroids Cause Weight Gain? (A Doctor's Guide to Symptoms) 🩺
❗ Important Medical Information: Uterine fibroids are a medical condition. Any unexplained weight gain, abdominal bloating, or changes in your menstrual cycle should be evaluated by a doctor or gynecologist. This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis.
If you have uterine fibroids, you may notice many changes in your body. One of the most common questions women ask is, "Do fibroids cause weight gain?" It can be confusing and distressing to see the number on the scale go up or to feel like your abdomen is constantly bloated.
The answer to this question is complex. Fibroids do not typically cause you to gain body fat. However, they can contribute to an increase in your overall weight and body size in other ways. This guide will explain the connection. ✅
First, What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are very common, benign (non-cancerous) growths. They grow in or on the wall of the uterus. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue. Many women have fibroids and experience no symptoms at all.
However, fibroids can range in size. They can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit, or even larger. It is the size and location of the fibroids that usually determine the symptoms a woman experiences. This includes their effect on weight and abdominal size.
⚖️ How Can Fibroids Cause an Increase in Weight?
When we ask, "do fibroids cause weight gain," it is important to be specific. Fibroids do not change your body's metabolism or cause you to store more fat. The link between fibroids and weight is a more direct, physical one. There are two main ways they can make your weight increase.
1. What is the Weight of the Fibroids Themselves?
A single, very large fibroid, or a cluster of many fibroids, can have a significant weight of its own. While a small fibroid weighs almost nothing, very large ones can weigh several pounds. In some rare and extreme cases, they have been known to weigh much more. This mass will, of course, be reflected on the scale.
2. Why do fibroids cause bloating and a distended abdomen?
This is the most common reason women feel they have gained weight. Large fibroids can significantly enlarge the uterus. The uterus can grow to the size it would be during the second trimester of a pregnancy. This causes the abdomen to protrude and look swollen.
This abdominal distension is often called a "fibroid belly." It is easily mistaken for weight gain or belly fat. Large fibroids can also press on the bowels, leading to constipation. This can further contribute to a feeling of bloating and fullness. This is the most noticeable way that fibroids can seem to cause weight gain.
- What Are Other Common Symptoms of Fibroids?
Weight gain or bloating is rarely the only symptom of large fibroids. It is important to be aware of the other common signs. If you are experiencing any of these, you should see a doctor.
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- A feeling of pelvic pain or pressure.
- Frequent urination (from pressure on the bladder).
- Pain in the lower back or down the legs.
- Anemia (low iron) due to heavy bleeding, which can cause severe fatigue.
If you are concerned about fibroids, your first step should be to make an appointment with your gynecologist. They can diagnose the condition with a simple pelvic exam and an ultrasound. The good news is that there are many effective treatments available to provide relief. 🩺