Can You Gain Weight From a Uterine Fibroid?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common kind of pelvic tumors are called uterine fibroids. They can cause trouble with menstrual periods and infertility. Your doctor can recommend treatment options depending on your age and plans for children in the future.

Identification

• Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous tumors that grow within your uterus. The National Institutes of Health state that as many as one woman in five might develop them.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of uterine fibroids include heavier and longer menstrual periods, abdominal cramps and an enlarged uterus, says the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Weight Gain

• A large uterine fibroid can cause noticeable swelling in your abdomen. Very large fibroids can weigh several pounds, adding to your body weight.

Treatment

• Uterine fibroids can be removed surgically in a procedure called myomectomy. Your doctor can also block the blood supply to a fibroid through uterine artery embolization.

Considerations

• If you intend to seek treatment for uterine fibroids, let your doctor if you wish to have children. Some surgical treatments can prevent you from conceiving in the future.