What does my Weight Gain mean?

Uterine fibroids are known to cause symptoms like heavy periods, severe menstrual cramps, and unpredictable menstrual cycles. But did you know that fibroids can cause weight gain as well? While fibroids are surprisingly common among women of reproductive age, many women are unaware of the prevalence of these growths, as they are not often discussed.

Untreated fibroids can grow very large in size, directly impacting a woman’s weight and even giving the false appearance of pregnancy. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for fibroids, including minimally invasive, low-risk procedures that offer significant symptom improvement and a fast recovery. These treatments can restore your health and reverse weight gain and the appearance of pregnancy.

Common Symptoms

Fibroids vary in size ranging from the size of an apple seed to the size of a watermelon. As fibroids grow, the uterus must expand to accommodate their growth, which can result in a noticeable stomach bulge. Large fibroids are also more likely to press on organs surrounding the uterus or create excessive bleeding.

Causes & Risks

There are several ways that fibroids can add pounds on your scale and a change in your physical appearance.

Causes

  • The uterus is a pear-shaped organ that is located low in the pelvis (the area between the hips). Due to anatomical barriers such as the pelvis, the uterus is pushed partially into the abdomen due to its expansion during pregnancy. Fibroids can also push the uterus into the abdomen and cause the stomach to protrude.
  • During pregnancy, the uterus can also expand to 500 times its pre-pregnancy size. The same can occur when fibroids grow. As the fibroids enlarge the uterus, it can extend above the pelvic bone and cause anything from a small paunch to a very distended abdomen.
  • Fibroids cause weight gain in the abdomen when the fibroids themselves grow large in size. Often, women experience more than one fibroid, and very large fibroids can weigh several pounds.

Risks

  • Fibroids are not life-threatening, but as long as the fibroids are growing, there is the chance that their volume and size can impact a woman’s weight and even push on other organs.
  • In extreme cases, fibroids can surpass the 25 pound mark, which is when it is classified as “giant” in medical terms. The heaviest record fibroid on record was removed from a woman in Singapore in 2018, weighing 61 pounds, described as roughly the size of a giant pumpkin.
  • While this is rare, it’s important that you have regular Ob/Gyn visits and monitor fibroids if you know you have them.

Diagnosis & Care

If you’re suffering from unexplained weight gain and other fibroid symptoms, it’s best to check in with a doctor who evaluate you and check for these growths.

The Viva Eve team of fibroid and women’s health experts will be able to properly diagnose your condition and suggest the best course of treatment. With longer, in-depth appointments, one-on-one patient education, and an interdisciplinary team of specialists all in house, we provide you with comprehensive, empowering care, whether you’re suffering from fibroids or another gynecologic condition.

Talk to a specialist to see how we can help.

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