Uterine fibroids are a common condition affecting millions of women, and their impact extends beyond just gynecological health. In the United States, 26 million women between the ages of 15 and 50 have uterine fibroids. These non-cancerous growths in the uterus can bring about a host of painful and inconvenient symptoms, including heavy menstrual periods, severe cramps, and low energy levels stemming from anemia. One less discussed, but significant, concern for women with fibroids is the potential impact on their weight. This article explores the intricate relationship between uterine fibroids and weight changes, offering insights into how fibroids can influence weight gain or loss, and what steps can be taken to manage weight effectively in the presence of fibroids.
Understanding Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign tumors that develop from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. While the exact cause of fibroids remains unclear, several risk factors have been identified. These include:
- Age: Women of childbearing age are more prone to developing fibroids.
- Genetics: A family history of fibroids increases the likelihood of developing them. Fibroids tend to run in families.
- Lifestyle: Lifestyle choices can influence fibroid growth.
- Underlying health conditions: Certain health issues like high blood pressure and diabetes can impact uterine fibroid growth.
It's estimated that about 80 percent of people assigned female at birth (AFAB) will have uterine fibroids at some point in their lives. While some individuals may not experience any symptoms, others can suffer from a range of issues that significantly affect their quality of life.
How Fibroids Can Affect Weight
The connection between fibroids and weight is not always straightforward, but it's important to understand the potential ways in which these growths can influence body weight and composition.
Direct Weight Contribution
The most direct way fibroids can affect weight is through their physical mass. As Yana Markidan, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn, explains, "As fibroids themselves grow, their weight increases." Large fibroids can weigh several pounds, and in some cases, even up to 20 pounds, roughly the size of a watermelon. This additional weight can directly influence abdominal weight growth and make a woman’s stomach look wider and more full. In severe cases, a woman may even appear pregnant because of the excess weight in the area. A large fibroid cluster can measure to more than eight inches in diameter or larger, which is about the size of a small watermelon. Fibroids of this size can directly impact a woman’s weight.
Read also: Does Uterine Ablation Affect Weight?
Hormonal Influence
Hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, play a significant role in fibroid growth. Fibroids tend to grow during times of increased hormone levels in the body, such as during pregnancy. Since fat cells secrete hormones, weight gain can potentially contribute to fibroid growth, creating a challenging cycle. It’s commonly recommended to fibroid patients to try to lose weight because it can help to prevent further fibroid growth. Fat cells make more estrogen, and sudden changes in hormones can lead to fibroid growth.
Anemia and Weight Gain
Uterine fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, which can lead to anemia, or iron deficiency. Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition when your blood lacks enough iron to make healthy red blood cells, per the Office on Women's Health (OWH). Your body needs iron to help carry oxygen through your blood to various parts of your body to keep it functioning. And according to the University of New Mexico, you need sufficient oxygen to burn calories and fat. Anemia can actually be a weight-gain culprit. Registered dietitian Ashley Kravitz, RD, explains that overeating can be a result of anemia from significant blood loss. The overeating can be a result of anemia from significant blood loss, as patients try to compensate for what feels like a loss of calories. Additionally, weakness, shortness of breath, and dizziness, common symptoms of anemia, can decrease exercise because their iron deficiency makes them extremely lethargic.
Bloating and Abdominal Distention
Even if fibroids don't contribute significantly to overall weight, they can cause bloating and abdominal fullness, which can make you feel heavier and larger. Fibroids can also cause constipation, which can lead to weight gain or the inability to lose weight. An enlarged uterus, bloating or protruding stomach can be a symptom of fibroids, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and bloating.
Impact on Activity Levels
Pain and fatigue, common symptoms of fibroids, can lead to a decrease in physical activity. This, in turn, can contribute to weight gain or make it more difficult to lose weight. Stress from fibroid symptoms can also prevent individuals from enjoying outdoor activities and social gatherings, further impacting their overall well-being and potentially leading to weight changes.
Weight Loss
In some instances, uterine fibroids can cause weight loss, forcing bowel movements and making you feel full. A 36-year-old homeless Eritrean nulliparous woman was admitted to hospital, with abdominal pain, nausea and loss of appetite. She was found to be 17 weeks pregnant with dichorionic diamniotic twins. She was cachectic and had large palpable uterine fibroids. An extensive search for infection and malignancy did not yield any significant results. She was managed with enteral nutritional support and delivered healthy twins by emergency caesarean section at 36 weeks' gestation.
Read also: Losing Weight Post-Fibroid Surgery
Strategies for Weight Management with Fibroids
Maintaining a healthy weight with fibroids can be challenging, but it is achievable with the right strategies and lifestyle modifications. Here are some key recommendations:
1. Balanced Diet
Consuming a healthy, well-rounded diet is crucial. Focus on a fibroids diet that includes a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit or avoid alcohol, trans fats in fast food and processed baked goods, added sugars, and refined carbs like white bread and white rice. Some studies show diets rich in green leafy vegetables help to slow down fibroid growth.
2. Regular Exercise
Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, five days a week. Choose activities you enjoy to make it more sustainable, and consider finding a workout partner or trainer for support.
3. Calorie Management
To lose weight, it's essential to burn more calories than you consume. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends finding your maintenance calories (the amount you're currently eating to maintain your weight) and subtracting between 500 and 1,000 calories per day. Use a calorie-tracking app to help you figure out the right calorie target based on your individual factors and weight-loss goals. However, it's important not to fall below 1,200 calories a day, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues.
4. Seek Support
Losing weight isn't always easy, so don't hesitate to ask your friends and family for help. Many women have shared their fibroids and weight loss stories, offering valuable insights and encouragement.
Read also: Diet and Uterine Fibroids
5. Consider Professional Guidance
Consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance and support for weight management with fibroids. They can help you develop a tailored plan that addresses your specific needs and challenges.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) as a Treatment Option
In some cases, uterine fibroids can significantly impact a woman's weight and overall health, making treatment a necessary consideration. USA Fibroid Centers offers a minimally invasive outpatient treatment called Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a safe and effective treatment for uterine fibroids. It involves inserting a thin tube (catheter) into the femoral artery in the groin and threading it up to the uterus. Once the catheter is in place, contrast dye is injected and X-rays are taken. Then, small particles are injected into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. These particles block the blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
How UFE Can Help with Weight Loss
- Shrinking Fibroids: By blocking the blood supply to the fibroids, UFE causes them to shrink. Depending on the size and number of fibroids, this can lead to a significant amount of weight loss.
- Improving Symptoms: UFE can help improve symptoms such as pain and fatigue, which can lead to increased physical activity and a healthier lifestyle.
Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis.