Fibroid Symptoms: Weight Gain

When reviewing the most common fibroid symptoms, weight gain is rarely discussed. But if you've been gaining weight for no apparent reason, it could be directly or indirectly related to these uterine tumors. Here's what you need to know.

When Fibroid Symptoms Include Weight Gain

Small fibroids shouldn't cause weight gain. In fact, at first, you may not experience any fibroid symptoms. But, if the tumors are left untreated, that could start to change.

Initially, your fibroids may not cause weight gain, but your stomach could protrude as your uterus expands to accommodate their growth. You see, typically, your uterus is pear-sized and tucked deep inside the pelvis. Yet, with pregnancy (or with fibroid growth) it can expand to become grapefruit-sized, causing your stomach to visually expand.

Bloating can also be a result of fibroids, as the tumors can lead to constipation. Plus, if fibroids press against your bladder, you may retain urine while experiencing frequent urination. And these two factors could cause the numbers on your scale to rise slightly.

Hormonal Changes and Weight Gain

We don't know exactly why fibroids develop, but there is a link between hormonal fluctuations and tumor growth. And, when your hormones are in flux, and you're dealing with long, heavy periods, stress and discomfort may follow. In turn, you may feel less excited about workouts, preferring to stick closer to home and reach for your favorite comfort foods. Unfortunately, fibroid symptoms of weight gain may soon follow.

Clealry, fibroids are unlikely to cause significant weight gain--at least not directly, since the average tumor doesn't weigh very much. However, in combination with other fibroid symptoms, weight gain may be a problem until you seek treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

While unexplained weight loss is a symptom of many conditions, it could indicate growing fibroids, especially if you also have severe menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding each month. If you have received a fibroid diagnosis, and want to explore treatment options, request a consultation with our Dallas fibroid specialists. We can discuss relieving symptoms such as weight gain and bloating with Uterine Fibroid Embolization, to help you jumpstart your return to feeling like yourself again.