Dealing with Fibroid Symptoms Like Weight Gain

Fibroid symptoms such as weight gain may be an indirect result of these uterine tumors. But that doesn't make it any less upsetting. So, when fibroid growth causes weight gain, how can you find relief? Here's what you need to know.

Fibroid Symptoms: Weight Gain

Small fibroids in the early stages of development don't weigh much. So they won't cause direct weight gain. And they may not even cause other fibroid symptoms, such as heavy bleeding or pelvic pain.

However, as they grow, the weight of the tumors may cause slight changes to the numbers on your scale. Plus, they can make you look bloated or even like you're in the early stages of pregnancy, as your uterus expands from the size of a pear to the size of a grapefruit in order to accommodate larger or multiple tumors. In combination, these fibroids symptoms can cause both weight gain and the appearance of more dramatic weight gain due to bloating and uterine changes.

Fibroids Weight Gain Due to Lifestyle Changes

There appears to be a link between fibroid growth and hormonal changes. And, when your hormones are out of whack, and you're dealing with painful menstrual cramps and heavy bleeding each month, it's a lot harder to motivate yourself to exercise or to stick to your fibroid-friendly diet, even though both factors could help relieve some of your symptoms. As such, you may find that other fibroid symptoms lead to weight gain.

Diagnosing and Treating Fibroids

While various treatment options can address your fibroid symptoms, the best way to find lasting relief is to treat the fibroids themselves. But, for that to happen, you need to discuss all symptoms with your doctor so that you can get an accurate diagnosis.

Once fibroids have been detected, your doctor may suggest surgical treatments such as myomectomy or hysterectomy. But you have other options, including Uterine Fibroid Embolization, which can shrink your tumors and relieve fibroid symptoms such as weight gain, without invasive surgery or overnight hospital stays.

Want to see if you're a candidate for UFE in Georgia? Request a consultation with our interventional radiologists. When you come into the office we'll review your treatment candidacy and help you find the best pathway forward.