Can Fibroid Cause Weight Gain?

Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that can lead to various symptoms, including bloating and an increase in abdominal size.

In some cases, large or multiple fibroids may contribute to weight gain due to their mass and associated fluid retention. Hormonal imbalances linked to fibroid growth can also affect metabolism and fat distribution.

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus, fibroids (also called uterine fibroids or leiomyomas) can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a melon, and they can develop in different parts of the uterus. Although fibroid cells are usually benign and do not cause symptoms, they can cause several complications, such as pelvic pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, and occasionally changes in body weight.

During a woman’s reproductive years, fibroids can develop at any age. Although they are usually found in women between the ages of 30 and 40, they can also affect women as young as their 20s.

Weight gain may result from fibroids, however this isn’t always the case. Non-cancerous development in or near the uterus, and fibroids can have a variety of effects on your body, depending on their size, location, and quantity.

Types Of Fibroid:

Based on where they are found inside or near the uterus, fibroids are categorized as follows:

Submucosal Fibroid

These fibroids develop directly beneath the endometrium, the uterine lining. They may cause heavy menstrual flow or interfere with pregnancy since they are close to the lining where menstruation occurs and can extend into the uterine cavity.

Intramural Fibroid

These are the most prevalent kind of fibroid, and they develop inside the uterine wall’s muscles. Depending on their size, they may produce symptoms like pressure or pain in the pelvis.

Subserosal Fibroids

The uterus’s exterior surface is home to subserosal fibroids, which can grow to be rather large and press against other organs like the bladder or intestines, causing pain or irritation.

Pedunculated Fibroids

These are fibroids with a stalk or stem connecting them to the uterus. They can develop inside or outside the uterus, and they can be quite painful when they move or twist.

Fibroid causes:

Although the exact cause of fibroids is unknown, several variables could be involved in their development:

Hormones: The hormones progesterone and estrogen, which control the menstrual cycle, have an effect on fibroids. Particularly during the reproductive years, these hormones have the ability to promote the formation of fibroid tissue.
Genetics: The risk of having fibroids is increased if there is a family history of them. Fibroid development is also associated with specific genetic mutations.
Age: Women between the ages of 30 and 40 are more likely to have fibroids, which usually go away as hormone levels fall after menopause.
Additional Factors: A diet heavy in red meat and poor in fruits and vegetables, obesity, and high blood pressure have all been linked to an increased incidence of fibroids.

Fibroid Symptoms and Signs:

Many women with fibroids may not have any symptoms at all, while some may have a variety of symptoms that interfere with their everyday lives. The size, location, and quantity of fibroids present frequently affect how severe the symptoms are.

Common indications of fibroids include:

Anemia (low iron levels) and exhaustion can result from heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, one of the most prevalent symptoms.

Pelvic Pain or Pressure: The pelvic region may experience pain, difficulty, or a fullness if there are large fibroids or if they are pressing on nearby organs.

Frequent Urination: The urge to urinate frequently may be caused by fibroids pressing against the bladder.

Leg or Back pain: Fibroids that compress nerves can cause leg or back pain.

Abdominal Enlargement or Bloating: Large fibroids may result in an enlarged belly, which may give the impression of weight gain or bloating.

Painful Intercourse: During intimacy, fibroids in or around the cervix may cause pain.

Reproductive Issues: Some fibroids might result in infertility, miscarriage, or difficulties during pregnancy and childbirth, while many women with fibroids have normal pregnancies.

Can Weight Gain Be Caused by Fibroid?

Fibroids can cause physical changes that may give the appearance that you are gaining weight, even if they do not directly cause weight increase in the conventional sense (such as growing fat).

The fibroid may cause weight gain or changes in appearance in the following ways:

Enlarged abdomen

Sometimes fibroids can get rather big, especially when there are several of them. The uterus may enlarge as a result of fibroids growing, increasing the size of the abdomen. A woman may experience swelling or the appearance of weight gain in her belly as a result of this, even though the size of the fibroids rather than fat buildup is the cause of the weight gain.

Large Fibroids’ Effects: Some fibroids have the potential to grow to be as big as a grapefruit or even bigger. The abdomen may protrude as a result of the fibroid’s growth pushing against the abdominal cavity. Because of the size of the fibroids, this can give the impression that you have gained weight, but it is truly a bodily alteration.

Changes in Hormones

The hormones progesterone and estrogen, which control the menstrual cycle, have an effect on fibroids. Fibroids are more prevalent throughout the reproductive years because they frequently grow in response to elevated estrogen levels.

Weight Gain and Estrogen: Elevated estrogen levels can cause weight gain in a number of ways. The body’s capacity to store fat is affected by estrogen, and elevated estrogen levels have been linked to the buildup of fat, especially around the hips and thighs. Some women with fibroids may gain weight as a result of this hormonal action.

Water Retention

Some fibroids might produce bloating or fluid retention in addition to the physical changes caused by the fibroids themselves. This frequently comes on by the pressure fibroids place on nearby organs or the hormonal abnormalities they cause.

Fluid retention symptoms include feeling heavier or more constipated, as well as swelling in the hands, legs, or abdomen. The retention of bodily fluids might give the impression that weight has been gained, even though this is not the case.

Changes in Metabolism

A decrease in physical activity may result from symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, or other issues that some women with fibroids report having. You may burn fewer calories when you are less active, which over time may lead to weight gain.

Fatigue and Low Activity: Heavy bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and other fibroids symptoms might cause low energy. Maintaining a healthy weight may be more difficult if you are exhausted or unable to exercise as much.

Modifications to Appetite

Because of the pain or other symptoms, some women with fibroids may have changes in their appetite. This may result in cravings or overeating, which could cause weight gain.

Feeling uncomfortable and Bloating: The sensation of fullness or bloating caused by fibroids can cause cravings for comfort food or sweet foods, which could result in a rise in caloric consumption.

What should I do if I gain weight because of fibroids?

Managing weight gain caused by fibroids requires taking care of the physical signs of the condition as well as leading a healthy lifestyle. Although fibroids don’t directly cause fat buildup, they may lead to hormone imbalances, bloating, and enlarged abdomens, all of which can give the appearance of weight gain.

The following techniques can help you in controlling weight gain caused by fibroids:

Speak with your physician.

Consultation with a physician is necessary if you believe fibroids are causing bloating or weight gain. They can offer suitable solutions and assist you in pinpointing the precise reason behind the weight changes. Fibroid size or symptoms may be lessened with the use of hormone therapy, medications, or surgery (such as a myomectomy or hysterectomy).

Keep an eye on your symptoms: Your doctor can better assess the severity of your condition and offer suitable therapy if you keep a record of any changes in your symptoms, such as bloating, pelvic pain, or heavy periods.

Engage in Regular Exercise

Cardio Workouts: Walking, running, swimming, and cycling are examples of cardiovascular exercises that can help you maintain a healthy weight while improving circulation, all of which can lessen the bloating and pain that fibroids can cause.

Strength Training: Including two to three times a week of strength training in your program will help you gain muscle, which can increase your metabolism and help in fat loss.

Pilates and yoga are great for strengthening the pelvic muscles, increasing flexibility, and lowering stress. They can promote general wellbeing and lessen the pain caused on by fibroids.

Control Hormonal Unbalances

Ask about Hormonal Treatments: Hormonal imbalances, particularly with regard to estrogen, are experienced by certain women who have fibroids. Birth control and GnRH agonists are examples of hormonal treatments that a doctor may prescribe to help lower estrogen levels, which may lessen the growth of fibroid tumors and its associated symptoms, such as bloating or weight changes.

Supplements: Talk to your doctor about the potential benefits of taking supplements such as vitamin D, magnesium, or herbs to help control hormone levels or lessen the symptoms of fibroid disease. Keeping estrogen levels in check may help stop the formation of fibroid tumors or lessen their symptoms.

Eat a Balanced, Healthful Diet

Foods High in Fiber: Consuming more fiber from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes might aid in digestion and lessen bloating. Additionally, fiber aids in hormone regulation, which could be beneficial if your fibroids are hormone-sensitive.

Limit Sugar and Processed Foods: Cut back on processed foods, refined sugars, and high-fat foods, as these can cause inflammation and weight gain.

Hydration: To eliminate toxins and lessen bloating, sip on lots of water throughout the day. Water retention and bloating, which are frequently linked to fibroids, can be alleviated by drinking plenty of water.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Consuming foods high in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids (found in seeds like flax and fish like salmon), and anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric may benefit general health by lowering inflammation caused by fibroids.

Lessen Your Stress

Stress management: Prolonged stress can cause weight gain, especially around the abdominal, and hormone abnormalities. Include stress-relieving activities like meditation, paying attention to deep breathing, and relaxation methods.

Getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night should be your priority because getting too little sleep can alter hormone levels, which can lead to weight gain and aggravate fibroid symptoms.

Pay Attention to Fluid Retention

Limit Your Salt Intake: Consuming too much salt can cause water retention, which can make you feel bloated. When possible, choose fresh foods and try to reduce processed foods that are rich in sodium.

Eat More Potassium-Rich Foods: Foods high in potassium, such as spinach, sweet potatoes, and bananas, can help lower water retention and regulate sodium levels.

Herbal Teas: Certain herbal teas, like ginger or dandelion root tea, may have natural diuretic properties and help in reducing bloating and fluid retention caused on by fibroids.

Frequent health examinations

Track Fibroid Growth: You may keep an eye on the size of your fibroids by getting regular MRI or ultrasound scans. Your doctor can suggest treatment options like medication or less invasive procedures if they are becoming larger or producing symptoms like pain or bloating.

Handle Anemia: Your doctor may suggest iron supplements or dietary adjustments to improve your iron intake if heavy monthly bleeding from fibroids is causing anemia (low iron). This will help you manage your fatigue and avoid more health issues.

Think About Your Fibroid Treatment Choices

Medication: Certain medications can reduce pain and inflammation, control excessive bleeding, or decrease fibroids. Hormonal therapies (such as birth control or GnRH agonists) and non-hormonal medicines (such as tranexamic acid, which stops bleeding) are common choices.

Minimally Invasive Procedures: Your doctor might suggest minimally invasive procedures like myomectomy, which removes the fibroids, or uterine artery embolization (UAE), which reduces fibroids by cutting off their blood supply if they are causing serious problems.

Surgical Options: To permanently remove fibroids, a hysterectomy (uterine surgery) may be required in extreme situations, particularly if the symptoms interfere with your fertility or quality of life.

Consider Weight Management Support

Personalized Weight Reduction Plans: Consult a qualified dietitian or other weight reduction specialist if you’re having trouble controlling your weight while managing fibroids. They can help you in developing an individual diet and fitness program that takes into consideration the unique requirements associated with fibroids.

Support Groups: Making connections with people who have fibroids can be beneficial for getting emotional support as well as exchanging advice on how to deal with weight and fibroid symptoms. Both online and in-person support groups can give you a sense of being accepted and encourage you.

When to Get Medical Advice:

It’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional if you think that weight gain or other symptoms are being caused by fibroids. To figure out the size and location of the fibroids and suggest possible treatments, they can do tests such as a pelvic ultrasound, MRI, or hysteroscopy.

The size, location, and intensity of symptoms of fibroids determine how they should be treated. Possible choices include:

Medication: Hormonal therapies can help manage symptoms or reduce fibroids.
Minimally Invasive Procedures: Fibroids can be removed or reduced using procedures like laparoscopic myomectomy or uterine artery embolization.
Surgery: A hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus, may be advised in more severe situations.

Summary:

Common and non-cancerous, fibroids can vary in size and location within the uterus. Although many women with fibroids don’t have any symptoms, those who do may have pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, or other problems. It’s crucial to speak with a healthcare professional for a diagnosis and suitable treatment choices if you think you may have fibroids or are exhibiting symptoms associated with them. Treatment options could include medication, surgery, or minimally invasive techniques, depending on your particular situation.

Not all women with fibroids gain weight, though, and there may be other contributing factors, such as lifestyle choices, food, or underlying medical issues. It’s wise to speak with your healthcare practitioner about your symptoms and look into treatment options if you’re worried about fibroids and weight changes.

A mix of lifestyle modifications, self-care routines, and medical intervention is used to manage weight gain associated with fibroids. You can successfully manage the symptoms of fibroids while also improving your general well-being by eating a balanced diet, exercising, controlling your stress, and cooperating closely with your healthcare professional.

FAQ:

Is weight gain a direct result of fibroids?

Weight gain in the sense of fat buildup is not directly caused by fibroids. They may, however, cause physical changes that make you feel as though you’ve gained weight. For instance, big fibroids can make the abdomen look larger or bloated, which might make it seem like you’ve gained weight. Furthermore, hormonal abnormalities caused by fibroids may exacerbate water retention and make you feel bigger.

How do fibroids result in enlarged abdomens or bloating?

The uterus may grow due to fibroids, particularly larger ones, which could result in bloating or a visible increase in the size of the abdomen. A distended belly, bloating, and pain may result from fibroids’ strain on the bladder, intestines, and other abdominal tissues as they enlarge.

Can weight be affected by hormonal abnormalities caused by fibroids?

Indeed, Oestrogen and progesterone in particular affect fibroid and can encourage their growth. Weight gain may result from hormonal imbalances caused by fibroid, which may affect the body’s fat storage systems and increase the buildup of fat, particularly in the abdomen.

Can fibroids result in edema or fluid retention?

Yes, fibroids can occasionally result in edema or fluid retention. Bloating and a feeling of heaviness or swelling in the abdomen or other parts of the body are more likely to occur when fibroids press against nearby organs or interfere with regular blood flow.

What effect do fibroids have on weight, and may they cause fatigue?

Fatigue may result from fibroids, especially if they cause severe bleeding, which can result in anemia (low iron levels). Because you may be less active as a result of this exhaustion, it may be harder to maintain a healthy weight.

Does bloating or weight gain happen to all women with fibroids?

No, bloating, weight gain, or changes in belly size are not common in women with fibroids. Some women with fibroids may only feel slight pain, while many might not have any symptoms at all. The size, quantity, and location of the fibroids are some of the variables that affect how severe the symptoms are.

Do fibroids affect my metabolism?

Your metabolism usually does not change as a result of fibroids. On the other hand, symptoms like pelvic discomfort, exhaustion, and heavy menstrual flow can make it harder to exercise or cause you to be less active overall, which could eventually affect your metabolism and cause weight gain.

How can I deal with weight gain caused by fibroids?

Speak with your healthcare practitioner about your symptoms and look into ways to control or reduce fibroids.
Exercise: To help control weight and lessen bloating, get regular exercise.
Healthy diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean meats will help lower inflammation and control weight.
Stress management: Prolonged stress may be a factor in weight increase. Techniques for relaxation, yoga, and meditation can be beneficial.

Does fibroid-related weight gain respond well to surgery?

Surgery may be advised in certain situations to remove fibroids if they are significantly increasing the size or pressure of the abdomen. In addition to easing pain and bloating, this may lessen the appearance of weight gain caused by big fibroids. Myomectomy, which removes fibroids, or hysterectomy, which removes the uterus in more severe cases, are surgical possibilities.

Is it possible to stop fibroids from making you gain weight?

Although fibroids cannot be completely avoided, their symptoms can be controlled with a mix of medication and lifestyle modifications. The likelihood of developing symptoms like bloating or weight gain may be decreased by shrinking or managing fibroids with the use of hormonal treatments, medications, or minimally invasive procedures. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management can all improve general wellbeing.

Can I lose weight if I have fibroids?

Due to things like exhaustion, hormone imbalances, or decreased physical activity because of pelvic pain, fibroids can often make weight loss more difficult. Even with fibroids, weight loss is still achievable with the correct strategy, such as eating a diet low in calories and exercising regularly.

Do fibroids have a connection to other illnesses that lead to weight gain?

Other medical conditions that can impact weight, like obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance, may be linked to fibroids. Furthermore, weight gain, especially around the belly, may be a result of the hormonal abnormalities associated with fibroids. Weight gain can be prevented by controlling fibroid symptoms and any related medical disorders.

Will Removing Fibroids Help in Weight Loss?

If your weight increase and stomach enlargement are caused by fibroids, treatment may be able to reverse them. First off, you will weigh less if you have huge fibroids removed. To control your estrogen levels, your fibroid specialist might also recommend hormone therapy, which could increase the benefits of a balanced diet and exercise regimen.

Is Gaining Weight a Sign of Fibroids?

Yes, many women with fibroids experience weight gain as a common symptom. The majority of women who have larger fibroids or a collection of them will have some degree of alteration on the scale, even though fibroid symptoms, such as weight gain, can vary from one woman to another.

References:

Weight gain and uterine fibroids. (n.d.). Sophisticated gynecology. Uterine fibroids and weight gain: essential information for advanced gynecology. https://www.advancedgynecology.com/blog#:~:text=Are fibroids responsible for weight gain, even pushing on other organs?
Medical, M. L. September 3, 2024. Can bloating and weight gain be caused by fibroids? NYC. This article discusses how fibroids can lead to weight gain and bloating.
Weight increase and fibroids. November 1, 2022. Embolization is used to treat uterine fibroids (UFE). Weight gain: https://fibroids.com/fibroid-symptoms/
According to Dr. Lalezarian, fibroids can cause weight gain. (undated). experts in fibroids. Fibroids-weight-gain: https://www.fibroidspecialists.org/
The connection between weight gain and fibroids Houston Fibroids. February 6, 2025. https://houstonfibroids.com/fibroid-symptoms/weight-gain/ Houston Fibroids
February 7, 2025: Clinic, C. Do you gain weight as a result of uterine fibroids? The Cleveland Clinic. Weight gain due to uterine fibroids: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/

Can Fibroid Cause Weight Gain?

Introduction: