Can Fibroids Cause Weight Gain? A Closer Look Into Their Connection
Fibroids (Uterine Leiomyomas) are noncancerous growths in the uterus.
They are prevalent among women, especially those in their 40s and early 50s.
These growths vary in size and can lead to various symptoms.
Many people notice an increase in abdominal size and wonder if fibroids can cause weight gain.
There are several factors that may contribute to weight fluctuations due to fibroids, such as their size and location.
In this article, we’ll address this common question: Can fibroids cause weight gain? We will also provide insights into their effective management strategies.
Do fibroids cause weight gain
Fibroids usually do not lead to weight gain.
However, there are several factors that may contribute to the perception of weight gain in women with fibroids.
The first reason is abdominal enlargement. Fibroids can cause the uterus to enlarge, contributing to an increase in abdominal size.
Additionally, the size and location of fibroids can impact their effect on abdominal appearance.
Some fibroids can grow significantly, reaching several pounds in weight.
As they increase in size, they may exert pressure on nearby structures within the abdomen or pelvis.
This pressure can also lead to symptoms like feelings of fullness, frequent urination, and constipation.
Another possible reason for weight gain can be bloating. Fibroids can lead to bloating, which can make the abdomen feel swollen and appear larger.
However, it’s important to note that this is not true weight gain caused by an increase in fat or body mass.
Instead, it’s a result of the physical presence and size of the fibroids.
Have a proper health evaluation
While fibroids can contribute to an increase in abdominal size, it’s important to recognize that weight gain can be influenced by various factors.
Conditions such as hormonal imbalance, Thyroid disorder, and lifestyle habits like diet and exercise can also play a role in weight fluctuations.
Accurate diagnosis and evaluation by a healthcare provider are essential to know the exact cause of weight gain.
A healthcare provider can conduct several tests, including physical assessments and imaging tests such as pelvic ultrasound.
It will help evaluate the size, location, and impact of fibroids.
Moreover, fibroids often present with additional symptoms such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, urinary frequency, and constipation.
These symptoms, combined with an increase in abdominal size, may indicate the presence of fibroids and warrant further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Managing weight-related concerns
Weight fluctuatiocaused by fibroids can be effectively managed by several steps.
These include the following:
Medication
Pain relievers or hormonal medications may help manage signs such as pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding associated with fibroids.
These drugs do not help you lose weight. However, they may indirectly contribute to weight management by managing symptoms such as pelvic pain.
This can impact the person’s ability to engage in physical exercise or maintain a healthy lifestyle.
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Surgery
Procedures including Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) or Focused Ultrasound Surgery (FUS) can help shrink fibroids while preserving the uterus.
These procedures are usually less invasive than traditional surgery and may offer quicker recovery times.
For larger or more symptomatic fibroids, surgical removal of the fibroids (Myomectomy) or removal of the uterus (Hysterectomy) may be necessary.
These surgeries can provide long-term relief from fibroid-related symptoms but involve longer recovery times and potential risks.
Following fibroid removal surgery, some individuals may experience only minimal loss of fibroids.
However, it’s important to note that weight loss is not guaranteed.
It may vary depending on factors such as the size and number of fibroids removed, individual metabolism, and lifestyle factors.
Healthy lifestyle
Adopting a diet rich in vegetables, lean proteins, and fruits, along with regular physical activity, can help improve fibroids symptoms.
Additionally, effective stress management techniques like meditation or yoga can contribute to overall well-being.
Also Read: To learn an effective diet plan for fibroids, go through our guide,7 Foods For Shrinking Fibroids Effectively.
Conclusion
Fibroids typically do not directly cause weight gain.
The increase in abdominal size and bloating associated with fibroids may contribute to the perception of weight gain.
There can also be other factors, such as hormonal imbalances, Thyroid disorders, and lifestyle habits for weight fluctuations.
Accurate diagnosis by a healthcare provider is crucial to know the exact cause of weight gain and address any issues effectively.
Medication, surgical procedures, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can effectively address discomforting symptoms caused by fibroids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can fibroids cause weight gain?
Uterine fibroids typically don’t directly cause weight gain. However, the perceived increase in weight may arise from factors like abdominal enlargement and bloating. Accurate diagnosis helps clarify underlying reasons for weight fluctuations.
Will I lose weight after fibroid surgery?
Yes, individuals may experience weight loss after surgery, but it’s not guaranteed. Following surgery, weight gained due to fibroids typically starts to diminish. Particularly for women with large or multiple fibroids, this may result in significant body changes.
How do you manage weight-related concerns due to fibroids?
To manage weight-related concerns due to fibroids, individuals can consider several strategies. These include seeking clinical evaluation for accurate diagnosis and considering surgical procedures if necessary. It’s essential to discuss treatment options with healthcare providers to make informed decisions.
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