Introduction:
The same diet and not working out more but the weight drops. There’s a feeling of optimism. Who doesn’t love an unintentional loss of weight? However, then you’ll experience other signs: more bloating, long intervals, or perhaps pelvic discomfort. Then, the experience isn’t as thrilling anymore.
After this, many women begin to think: Could fibroids be my reason for losing pounds?
Although fibroids are typically connected with an increase in weight or the appearance of bloating in rare instances, they can be connected to inadvertent reduction in weight. If you’ve been racking your mind trying to figure out what’s going on and you’re wondering if they’re connected, then you’re not the only one.
In this post we’ll look at the connection between fibroids and weight loss. The normal and abnormal and when you need to consult your physician.
What Are Fibroids?
Uterine Fibroids 101
The names of leiomyomas or myomas also refer to uterine fibroids, which are benign growths that grow in or around the uterus. These are extremely widespread. At 50 years of age, it is estimated that up to 88% of women might have fibroids but not everyone will show symptoms.
Their size ranges between tiny seedlings and large mass that may distort the Uterus. Women may be suffering from a single fibroid and others may have multiple.
Common Symptoms of Fibroids
Fibroids are often completely unnoticeable; however, when they are causing trouble, they usually appear as:
- Long-term or frequent menstrual bleeding
- Pressure or pain in the pelvis
- A feeling of being full
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Pain during sex
Are you noticing anything that isn’t on the list? Yes, losing weight isn’t usually an option. But let’s dig deeper.
Do Fibroids Cause Weight Loss?
They generally are not the sole cause of reduction in weight. However, large fibroids can make you feel or look heavier due to their mass that they add to your abdomen and the uterus.
There are a few indirect methods where fibroids may cause weight loss, particularly in the event that they affect different aspects of your health or life style.
How Fibroids Might Lead to Weight Loss (Indirectly)
1. Severe Pain or Discomfort
For some women, fibroids can be painful–particularly during menstruation. The chronic pain can be a burden:
- A decrease in appetite could cause a reduction in appetite.
- Physical activity can be limited
- Insomnia can cause metabolic modifications
As time passes, this may cause small weight loss particularly if food is associated with pain or feeling sick.
2. Digestive Disruption
Large fibroids may press against the stomach and intestines or the bladder, which can lead to
- Satiety that is early (feeling filled rapidly)
- Nausea or bloating
- Constipation or infrequent bowel movements
If you’re not eating as much since you’re constantly feeling hungry or full, unintentional weight loss might occur..
3. Heavy Menstrual Bleeding and Anemia
One of the most common symptoms of fibroids is menorrhagia–abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
This could lead to iron deficiency anemia, that can cause:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Appetite loss
Anemia-related fatigue may reduce the desire to eat food or exercise, which can contribute indirectly to losing weight.
NOTE: A sudden drop in weight, accompanied by symptoms of anemia, must be discussed with your healthcare doctor.
When to Be Concerned About Weight Loss
Unintentional Weight Loss Is a Red Flag
A loss of more than five percent of your bodyweight over six to twelve months and without a trial is deemed as clinically significant. As per Mayo Clinic, such a loss could indicate an underlying medical issue, which could lead to more serious complications including gastrointestinal cancer, cancer or thyroid disorders.
If fibroids do exist It’s not advisable to believe that they’re the primary cause for losing weight.
Fibroids vs. Uterine Cancer
Uterine fibroids tend to be harmless. However, weight loss, particularly when it’s accompanied by irregular vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain or fatigue, could indicate the uterine cancer specifically leiomyosarcoma which is a rare, however aggressive type of cancer that begins within the uterine muscles.
While it’s not common however, it’s not impossible to rule out. According to the National Cancer Institute says that early detection is crucial to improve the outcome.
Real-Life Example: When Fibroids Weren’t the Whole Story
Case Study: Maya’s Unexpected Weight Drop
Maya teacher, 42 years old began to notice the loss of weight that was not planned over 6 months. She had lost 12 pounds, without changing the way she ate or exercises. The woman also complained of being bloated, and was experiencing heavier menstrual cycles.
The OB-GYN discovered several fibroids on an ultrasound scan of her pelvis, and at first thought that it was due to the fibroids. However, tests on her blood revealed extreme anemia. Further scans revealed a huge fibroid that was pressing on her stomach.
In the case of Maya, decreased appetite and the bloating that fibroids cause led to a weight decrease. After she had a myomectomy (surgical removal of fibroid) and her appetite increased, as did her energy level as well as weight.
What’s the most important message? The fibroids didn’t contribute to weight loss however, they affected her digestive system and blood health enough that eating was a difficult task.
What to Do If You’re Losing Weight With Fibroids
1. Track Your Symptoms
Begin with a medical journal. Note:
- Your weight fluctuates
- Menstrual cycle patterns
- Appetite levels
- Fatigue and energy
- Pain levels
The patterns can assist you and your physician be aware of the linkage.
2. Talk to Your Doctor
Always mention unproved weight loss during your visits, even when you believe this is “just stress” or “just fibroids.” The doctor could recommend:
- The blood test (to determine if there is thyroid problems or anemia)
- Pelvic ultrasound, or MRI
- Biopsy (if there is a suspicion of cancer)
3. Explore Treatment Options
The treatment will depend on the amount, size as well as the symptoms you experience with your fibroids. There are a variety of options to consider:
- Meds: Like hormonal birth control drugs or GnRH antagonists to decrease fibroids
- Procedures that are not invasive: Such as uterine fibrid embolization (UFE)
- Surgery removal: Myomectomy or hysterectomy
Learn more about them in Cleveland Clinic’s Fibroid Treatment guide.
Related Conditions That Can Mimic or Complicate Fibroids
Sometimes, the symptoms associated with fibroids could be worsened due to other conditions like:
- Endometriosis is a common cause of discomfort in the pelvis, fatigue, and digestive problems
- Ovarian cysts and tumors may cause similar bloating and changes in weight
- Thyroid disorder: Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause weight loss and irregular periods.
This is the reason why a complete diagnosis is necessary.
Final Thoughts: Fibroids and the Weight Loss Puzzle
Fibroids are an incredibly complex and complicated disease that can be common; however, they are often not understood. Although they aren’t usually the cause of weight reduction, however, they could cause it through affecting eating habits, digestion and energy levels.
If you’ve noticed that you’ve lost weight suddenly and you’ve noticed fibroids, you should take it seriously. Do not just attribute it to a single factor. Your body may be revealing something to you.
Let’s Recap:
- Fibroids typically result in bloating and weight increase and not weight loss.
- In some cases, these can result in less appetite, or stomach discomfort which can lead to minor weight loss.
- The loss of weight that you do not intend to is something to consider regardless of whether you already have an existing diagnosis of fibroids.
- Other serious diseases, such as uterine cancer, must be considered if the there are signs that indicate.
What Next?
If this piece was a hit with you or caused concerns, do not wait. Consult your physician about your concerns and receive the information your body requires. If you’re looking for more help, think about becoming a part of a community that is focused on fibroid or obtaining the patient education offered by trusted groups like the Office on Women’s Health (WomensHealth.gov).
Read also: AI-Powered Healthcare: Transformations in Diagnostics and Treatment
Your body is a smart one. If it is speaking, listen.
