Uterine fibroids, one of the most common gynaecological conditions faced by women, especially during their reproductive years, are non-cancerous tumours that appear in or on the uterine walls. These benign growths can vary widely in size, number, and location, potentially leading to various disruptive symptoms.

At the London Women’s Centre, we are dedicated to addressing women’s health issues with both care and expertise. One of the most pressing questions often raised by our patients concerns the relationship between fibroids and weight gain: many women notice changes in their body weight and wonder whether fibroids could be a contributing factor. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how fibroids might impact weight, examining the physical effects and how they can alter a woman’s overall well-being.

Understanding Fibroids

To better understand this connection, we must first delve into what fibroids are, how they develop, and the most common symptoms associated with them. This knowledge will provide a solid foundation for understanding potential weight changes associated with fibroids.

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas in the medical world, are noncancerous growths that can develop in a woman’s uterus during her childbearing years. These growths can vary in size, from being so small they’re only visible under a microscope to large masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. Despite their potentially alarming size, it’s important to note that fibroids are benign, meaning that they are not cancerous.

Types of Fibroids

Fibroids are categorised based on their location within the uterus, and each type can affect the body differently:

Subserosal Fibroids: These form outside the uterus and sometimes extend into the pelvis. They typically do not affect menstrual flow but can cause pain if they grow large and press on other organs.

Intramural Fibroids: The most common type, these fibroids grow within the muscular wall of the uterus. They can expand the uterus and can sometimes cause heavy menstrual bleeding or prolonged periods.

Submucosal Fibroids: These are the least common but can be the most problematic. They develop in the muscle beneath the inner lining of the uterus and can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and trouble conceiving.

Symptoms of Fibroids

While many women with fibroids experience no symptoms at all, those who do may face a range of issues that can affect their quality of life. Common symptoms include:

• Heavy or painful periods
• Feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
• Frequent urination
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower back pain

Symptoms requiring immediate medical attention include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
• Any changes that disrupt your daily life

By understanding the different types of fibroids and recognising the symptoms, women can better manage their condition and seek appropriate treatment when necessary.

Fibroids and Weight

One of the direct ways fibroids can affect body weight is through their sheer mass. Large fibroids are dense, muscular tumours that can be heavy, weighing anywhere from a few grams to few kilograms. Thus, women with sizable fibroids may see an increase in weight on the scale. This weight is physical and tangible; it’s not just about feeling heavier, but rather being heavier due to the fibroids’ weight.

Perceived Weight Gain and Bloating

Apart from actual weight gain caused by the mass of the fibroids, there can also be a perceived increase in weight or body size. This is often due to the bloating associated with fibroids. Large fibroids can distort the uterus’s shape and the abdomen’s overall silhouette. This distortion may mimic the appearance of weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, leading many women to feel as if they have gained a “fibroid belly.”

Bloating and swelling in the area of the fibroids can exacerbate this sense of increased body weight. Unlike the usual weight gain, this swelling can fluctuate significantly, often worsening during menstruation when fibroids become more pronounced due to hormonal changes.

Distinguishing Between Types of Weight Gain

Understanding the difference between actual weight gain due to the physical presence of fibroids and the appearance of weight gain caused by bloating or a distorted abdomen is crucial. Actual weight gained from fibroids is the weight physically added to the body by the fibroids.

On the other hand, the appearance of weight gain, such as a protruding abdomen or increased abdominal circumference, might not affect body weight directly but can change clothing size and body shape.

With these distinctions clear, women can better understand their bodies and discuss symptoms and observations with their healthcare providers. The next section of our guide will delve into how to manage and potentially mitigate weight gain associated with fibroids.

Other Ways Fibroids Affect Your Health and Weight

Beyond their physical mass, fibroids affect health and weight through bloating and hormonal changes that can mimic weight gain, especially noticeable during menstrual periods.

The pain and discomfort they cause can significantly reduce physical activity, leading to a sedentary lifestyle, a known risk factor for weight gain. Moreover, heavy menstrual bleeding often leads to anaemia, draining energy levels and making it harder to stay active.

Effective management includes:

• Dietary adjustments to combat anaemia
• Engaging in gentle exercise to improve fitness without exacerbating pain
• Ensuring adequate hydration to help mitigate bloating
• Managing pain to help maintain regular activity levels

Addressing these indirect impacts is crucial for controlling weight and improving overall health in women suffering from fibroids.

Related Symptoms and Complications

Fibroids can cause hormonal imbalances that disrupt metabolic processes, potentially leading to unexpected weight gain or challenges in losing weight. These growths may also inhibit an active lifestyle.

Women with fibroids often experience fatigue and anaemia from excessive menstrual bleeding, which reduces their ability to perform physical activities, thereby decreasing caloric burn and promoting weight gain.

Moreover, the pain and discomfort associated with fibroids can deter physical exercise. Even simple activities like jogging or yoga might become too painful, especially if the fibroids are large or unfavourably positioned. This reduction in activity can inadvertently contribute to weight gain.

Chronic stress from managing fibroid symptoms can also affect body weight. Stress increases cortisol levels, which may boost appetite and cravings for high-calorie foods, adding to weight gain challenges.

Taking care of yourself and properly managing these symptoms is essential for maintaining a balanced lifestyle and mitigating the indirect effects of fibroids on weight.

Diagnosis and Monitoring

Early and accurate diagnosis of fibroids is crucial for effective treatment and managing the various symptoms of this condition. To ensure we provide the best care, we at the London Women’s Centre use a range of state-of-the-art diagnostic tools:

• Ultrasound: Our first line of defence, ultrasound, uses sound waves to create detailed images of the uterus, helping us identify the presence, size, and location of any fibroids.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): For a more comprehensive analysis, we may recommend an MRI. This technology offers detailed images and is particularly valuable for differentiating fibroids from other tumours and planning treatment for more complex cases.
• Saline Infusion Sonohysterography (Aqua scan): In cases of submucosal fibroids that other imaging might be inconclusive. It is an ultrasound scan when a small amount of normal saline (salt solution) inserted into the uterus that allows the lining of the uterus (endometrium) to be clearly seen. It can help to decide the best treatment option for submucosal fibroids.

We stress the importance of routine visits, which allow our healthcare providers to monitor the growth of fibroids and assess their potential impact on your health, including your weight. By maintaining regular contact with our team and utilising advanced diagnostic tools, you can stay on top of your health and manage the effects of fibroids on your lifestyle and well-being.

Management and Treatment Options

Here at the London Women’s Centre, we offer a comprehensive range of treatment options for managing fibroids tailored to your health needs and lifestyle preferences. Our approaches range from medication to more advanced surgical options, depending on the severity and impact of your symptoms.

Medication: Often the first line of treatment, medications can effectively manage symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain. These include hormonal treatments that help to reduce the size and symptoms of fibroids over time and non-hormonal drugs that target menstrual bleeding specifically.

• Surgical Options: Surgical interventions are available for those who may need more than medication. These include:
• Myomectomy: A procedure to remove fibroids while preserving the uterus, ideal for women who wish to conceive in the future.
• Hysterectomy: The removal of the uterus is recommended when fibroids are large, symptoms are severe, or if you do not plan to have children in the future.
• Uterine Fibroid Embolisation (UFE): A minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids by cutting off their blood supply.
• In LWC we have advanced expertise in removing fibroids (laparoscopic myomectomy) and large fibroid uteruses (laparoscopic hysterectomy) via keyhole surgery.

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle and dietary changes are crucial for managing fibroids and enhancing overall health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can regulate oestrogen levels and influence fibroid growth, while regular exercise helps mitigate symptoms and manage weight.

Wrap Up

It’s important to remember that fibroids do not cause actual weight gain. Instead, they can lead to changes in waist size and bloating. These changes are due to the physical presence of fibroids, rather than an increase in body fat. Understanding this distinction is key to managing your health proactively. Early recognition of these signs can lead to more effective treatments and better overall health outcomes.

If you’re experiencing any unusual changes to your health or new symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals. We’re ready to help with expert advice and effective treatment options at the London Women’s Centre. Please visit our contact page for more information or to schedule a consultation.