If you’ve been feeling bloated, noticed your lower belly looks fuller, or seen the scale creep up without a clear reason, you might wonder — could fibroids be the cause? It’s a common question we hear at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health, and today we’re breaking it down so you understand the connection between uterine fibroids and weight changes.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in or on the uterus. They can be small, like a pea, or large, like a grapefruit or even bigger. While fibroids are not cancer and often harmless, they can cause uncomfortable symptoms depending on their size, number, and location.
Surprisingly, many women don’t even know they have fibroids. Up to 70 to 80 percent of women will develop them at some point, often without any symptoms.
Do Fibroids Actually Cause Weight Gain?
Fibroids themselves don’t cause fat gain, but they can lead to noticeable weight or body changes.
Here’s how:
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
Large fibroids can press outward, making your lower belly stick out and causing you to look or feel heavier, even if your weight hasn’t changed much. - Extra weight from fibroid mass
Very large fibroids or multiple fibroids can weigh several pounds. In extreme cases, women have reported fibroids weighing 10 pounds or more. - Fluid retention and pressure
Fibroids can press on surrounding tissues, causing a feeling of fullness, bloating, or water retention.
So while fibroids aren’t adding fat, they can still increase your body’s weight and create the appearance or sensation of weight gain.
Other Symptoms That Can Be Mistaken for Weight Gain
Along with belly fullness, fibroids often bring other symptoms, including:
- Heavy or prolonged periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination or urinary urgency
- Constipation or difficulty with bowel movements
- Pain during sex
- Lower back or leg pain
- Abdominal bloating or visible belly swelling
If you notice these signs alongside an unexplained change in your body shape or weight, fibroids might be a contributing factor.
What Increases Your Risk of Fibroids?
Fibroid development is influenced by several factors. While researchers are still studying why some women develop fibroids and others don’t, here’s what we know:
- Hormonal Activity (Estrogen and Progesterone)
Fibroids grow in response to hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, which regulate the menstrual cycle. This explains why fibroids often grow during the reproductive years and shrink after menopause. - Family History
If your mother, sister, or grandmother had fibroids, your chances are higher. Genetics play a big role. - Age
Fibroids are most common in women in their 30s and 40s and typically shrink after menopause. - Lifestyle Factors
Obesity and being overweight increase fibroid risk, likely because fat cells produce estrogen. Diets high in red meat and low in fruits, vegetables, and dairy may also contribute. Some research links alcohol use, especially beer, to higher risk. - Race and Ethnicity
African American women are more likely to develop fibroids, often at a younger age, and may experience larger and more numerous fibroids compared to women of other backgrounds. - Vitamin D Deficiency
Low vitamin D levels have been linked to increased fibroid risk, as vitamin D helps regulate cell growth. - Other Health Conditions
High blood pressure (hypertension) and conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) may also increase risk.
While you can’t change your genetics or age, maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet, and monitoring your health can help reduce your risk.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
If you’re concerned, your doctor will start with a pelvic exam and may recommend an ultrasound or MRI to confirm if fibroids are present, check their size, and decide if treatment is needed.
Treatment Options for Fibroids
The right treatment depends on your symptoms and goals. Options may include:
- Monitoring small or symptom-free fibroids
- Medications to reduce pain or control bleeding
- Minimally invasive procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) or radiofrequency ablation
- Surgical treatments like myomectomy (to remove fibroids) or hysterectomy (to remove the uterus)
At Katy Women’s Pelvic Health, we work closely with each woman to create a care plan tailored to her lifestyle and health needs.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should contact a healthcare provider if you experience:
- Persistent or heavy bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Rapid abdominal growth or visible belly swelling
- Trouble with urination or bowel movements
- Pain during intimacy
- Unexplained bloating or weight increase
Early diagnosis can prevent complications like anemia or fertility challenges.
Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Body
While fibroids can contribute to abdominal fullness and minor weight changes, they don’t directly cause fat gain. That said, they can still affect how you feel, how your clothes fit, and how your body functions.
If you are concerned about fibroids or unexplained body changes, don’t wait. Get evaluated and take steps toward better health.
Want to Learn More?
If you live in Katy, Sugar Land, Richmond, Cypress, or the Greater Houston area, the team at Katy Women’s Pelvic Health is here to help. Dr. Solafa Elshatanoufy offers compassionate, expert care for fibroids and other women’s health concerns.
Call today or book your appointment online. Your comfort, confidence, and well-being matter.
Blog Disclaimer
This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions about a medical condition. Never ignore or delay professional medical advice because of something you have read here.
