Fibroids themselves don't cause true weight gain. But some fibroids can become very large, and in some cases, weigh a few pounds. These larger fibroids can press on other structures in the abdomen or pelvis and appear to cause bloating and swelling around the abdomen.
Yes, uterine fibroid patients are encouraged to lose weight, but it can be somewhat difficult for a few reasons. For some women, simply having fibroids may lead to more weight just as a symptom of a growth getting larger. But more commonly it also can impact weight in secondary ways, like as a result of overeating.
Fibroids cause weight gain and bloating due to a hormonal imbalance or the size of the fibroid. Larger fibroids may cause a woman to gain weight in the abdomen, giving the appearance of normal belly fat. Simply put, the more a fibroid grows, the heavier it will become.
If you have fibroids, you are most likely carrying extra weight. Eliminating the fibroids or shrinking them with UFE can often lead to weight loss.
Fatigue. Fatigue is especially easy to miss as a symptom of fibroids because it's not caused by overwork or a lack of sufficient sleep at night, but is mainly due to the loss of blood from heavy periods. This blood loss leads to anemia and an iron deficiency from the lack of red blood cells.
Larger fibroids—about four centimeters or more—that are in the muscle of the uterus can also impact implantation. Fibroids that are inside the muscle of the uterus might block the fallopian tubes, which can cause infertility. Sometimes fibroids can affect the mode of delivery of a baby.
Women with large fibroids may feel heaviness or pressure in their lower abdomen or pelvis. Often this is described as a vague discomfort rather than a sharp pain. Sometimes, the enlarged uterus makes it difficult to lie face down, bend over or exercise without discomfort.
Uterine fibroids usually need treatment when they cause: Anemia from heavy fibroid bleeding. Ongoing low back pain or a feeling of pressure in the lower belly. Trouble getting pregnant.
Lie down and put a pillow under your knees. Or lie on your side and bring your knees up to your chest. These positions may help relieve belly pain or pressure. Keep track of how many sanitary pads or tampons you use each day.
Small fibroid – less than 1-5 cms in length (Size of a pea to a cherry) Medium fibroid – 5cms -10cms (size of a plum to a large orange) Large fibroid – 10cms or more (Size of a grapefruit and above)
Hormone imbalance
In a catch-22, hormone imbalances can cause fibroids, and fibroids, in turn, can cause hormone imbalances. These imbalances may affect your metabolism. While some hormone imbalances can cause weight loss, others cause weight gain by slowing your metabolism and promoting water retention.
So, achieving the “perfect” silhouette with a flat stomach with fibroids, may not be possible if your uterine fibroids have grown so much they are causing your stomach to protrude. However, it is still possible to lose weight and even address some of the discomfort that may accompany fibroids.
Hysterectomy is a permanent solution for fibroids, and is an option if other treatments have not worked or are not appropriate. A woman cannot become pregnant after having a hysterectomy. If the ovaries are removed along with the uterus, hysterectomy causes immediate menopause.
If left untreated, fibroids can continue to grow, both in size and number. As these tumors take over the uterus the symptoms will become worse. The fibroids pain will increase. The heavy bleeding will become heavier and it may be accompanied by severe cramping.
Most experts believe that about 9-10 centimeters (about 4 inches) diameter is the largest size fibroid that should be removed laparoscopically.
Also known as an "open" myomectomy, an abdominal myomectomy is a major surgical procedure. It involves making an incision through the skin on the lower abdomen, known as a "bikini cut," and removing the fibroids from the wall of the uterus.
Laparoscopic myomectomy can take two to four hours, based on the number of fibroids and their size. You can go home the same day or spend a night in the hospital, depending on how you feel after the procedure.
Pros & Cons of Fibroid Myomectomy
Pros: This procedure can relieve pain, discomfort, heavy bleeding, and bloating. It also preserves your uterus, making it ideal for women who want to become pregnant. However, this procedure doesn't cure infertility. Cons: This surgery runs a few risks.
Uterine fibroids are an extremely common condition in which solid tumors develop in the uterus. Fibroids are not cancerous and do not increase the risk for uterine cancer. It is not known what causes fibroids, but studies suggest genetics and prolonged exposure to estrogen may increase your risk of developing fibroids.
The exact cause of fibroids is unknown, but they have been linked to the hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen is the female reproductive hormone produced by the ovaries (the female reproductive organs).
You may wonder, “Do fibroids cause nausea?” Although fibroids are not always bothersome, they can cause a range of painful, uncomfortable, and unpleasant symptoms that include heavy periods, severe menstrual cramps, frequent urination, and low energy levels. Some may also experience nausea and dizziness.