Uterine fibroids are the benign growth in the uterus. The growth may be small or large. The site of overgrowth also varies. As growth progresses, there is weight gain. Uterine fibroids increase the weight directly and indirectly. Many cases of uterine fibroids do not require treatment especially if it occurs near to menopause age. As the women reach menopausal age, the fibroids automatically shrink. Various symptoms are experienced by the patient with uterine fibroids.
Do Uterine Fibroids Cause Weight Gain?
Among various symptoms of uterine fibroids, one of the symptoms is weight gain. Weight gain in uterine fibroids may be caused directly or indirectly. The weight of the developing fibroids in the uterus adds up in the overall weight leading to increased weight on the weighing machine. This results in direct weight gain.
How do uterine fibroids increase the weight indirectly? To answer this question, we have to consider another important symptom of uterine fibroids- heavy bleeding during the menstrual cycle. Heavy bleeding leads to significant loss of blood leading to anemia. Anemia causes fatigue and weakness in the body. To, overcome the fatigue and weakness, the patient tries to supplement the body with energy through food and diet. This indirectly results in weight gain2.
In some patients, uterine fibroids do not show any symptoms due to their slow growth. However, in some patients, the progression of fibroid growth is at a rapid pace. This rapid pace may be filed by the high level of female dominating hormone i.e. progesterone and estrogen. Another reason for the rapid growth of fibroids is during pregnancy. Due to fast growing fibroids, there is visible swelling in the abdominal region. This can be misdiagnosed as pregnancy3.
Although the fibroid mass is not a malignant tumor, symptoms cause severe discomfort to the patient and medical intervention is almost always required. Generally, the weight gain is caused most commonly by the large fibroids. Once the fibroid develops and goes untreated, it will continue to grow till menopause. Once the stage of menopause is acquired, the fibroids usually shrink and the symptoms get resolved4.
Growth of the fibroids may increase the weight of woman by 20-40 pounds. If there are a weight gain and swelling of the abdomen, with a negative test for pregnancy, women should consult with the gynecologist.
Symptoms Of Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are the benign growth occurring inside the uterus. The size and site of growth of fibroid vary. Some fibroids develop on the surface of the uterus or some may develop in the uterus. Further, some are small while some are large fibroids. As the size of the fibroids increases, pain and discomfort experienced by the patient also increase. Following are the symptoms experienced by the patient suffering from uterine fibroids:
Menstrual Changes. Menstrual changes are one of the common symptoms in case of uterine fibroids. This is because the site of menstrual bleeding is uterus. Any change in the anatomy of the uterus leads to menstrual disturbances. These include heavy bleeding, menstrual cramps, vaginal bleeding without menstrual cycle and Anemia1.
Pain And Discomfort. Patient experiences pain in the abdomen. Lower back pain, which is sharp, is also experienced by the patient. Also, women experience pain during sexual intercourse1.
Gastrointestinal Effects. Abdominal cramps are experienced by the patient. Constipation, difficult bowel movements and rectal pain are other symptoms related to gastrointestinal system1.
Urinary Effects. Patient suffering from uterine fibroids Amy also have urinary disturbances such as frequent urination and difficulty urinating1.
Miscellaneous Symptoms. Uterine fibroids may also cause miscarriages and infertility1.
Conclusion
Increase in the tissue mass due to fibroid growth directly increases the weight of the women; also, increased bleeding leads to significant loss of blood. Anemia may develop causing fatigue and weakness. To counter this weakness, the patient may eat more leading to indirect weigh gain. Symptoms experienced by patient are abdominal pain, constipation, menstrual changes and urinary discomfort.
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