Are you concerned about your weight and uterine fibroids? If so, you’re not alone. Many women with uterine fibroids struggle to lose weight, no matter what they do. Some even find that their fibroids make them gain weight. If this is your experience, you may be considering treatment using UFE. Uterine fibroid embolization is a safe and effective treatment that can help you lose weight and improve your health! In this blog post, we’ll discuss the connection between uterine fibroids and weight, and explain how uterine fibroid embolization can help you lose weight.
Uterine Fibroids and Your Weight
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in the uterus. They are common, affecting up to 80% of women by age 50. Fibroids can vary in size, from very small (less than a centimeter) to large (several centimeters). They can also cause a variety of symptoms, including heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure.
Fibroids can also influence one’s weight. Some women find that their fibroids make them gain weight, while others struggle to lose weight. Here are a few factors that may contribute to weight gain with fibroids:
Bloating:
Fibroids can cause bloating and abdominal fullness, which can make you feel heavier and larger. On average, women can gain 3-5 lbs. just before their menstrual period due to bloating. Since fibroids can interrupt the normal period cycle, they can also interrupt the weight gain/loss cycle associated with bloating.
Constipation:
Fibroids can also cause constipation, which can lead to weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough exercise are some easy ways to relieve constipation from fibroids, however there are also medications that can be used.
Fibroid Growth:
The number and size of your fibroids also directly influence your weight. The more fibroids you have or the larger they are, the heavier they will be. As fibroids grow, they can also cause the uterus to enlarge, which can also increase your overall weight. In some cases, fibroids can make the uterus grow to a similar size as a woman in her second trimester of pregnancy.
Inactivity:
Many women with fibroids experience pain and fatigue, which can lead to a decrease in physical activity. This can, unfortunately, contribute to weight gain.
Poor Diet:
Some women with fibroids turn to unhealthy foods for comfort. This can lead to weight gain and other health problems, especially combined with a lack of physical activity.
As you can see, there are many factors that can contribute to weight gain with uterine fibroids. If you’re struggling to lose weight, you may be considering treatment using UFE.
UFE and Weight Loss
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. This allows the interventional radiologist to see where the blood flow is going and which arteries are supplying blood to the fibroids.
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. Uterine fibroid embolization is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis. It does not require surgery or a hospital stay, and there is no risk of infertility.
Uterine fibroid embolization can help with weight loss in two ways.
- First, it can shrink the fibroids. Depending on the size and amount of fibroids, this can lead to a significant amount of weight loss on its own.
- Second, it can help to improve symptoms such as pain and fatigue, which can lead to increased physical activity and a healthier lifestyle. It can also reduce bloating and abdominal fullness, which can aid in weight loss as well.
If you’re struggling to lose weight, uterine fibroid embolization may be the answer you’re looking for! Additionally, UFE can offer the following benefits:
- Relief from heavy bleeding
- Decrease in fibroid size
- Improvement in symptoms such as pain and pressure
- More energy
In Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve discussed the connection between weight and uterine fibroids. We’ve explained how fibroids can influence one’s weight and how UFE can help with weight loss. If you’re considering treatment for your uterine fibroids, be sure to discuss all of your options with your doctor. Uterine fibroid embolization is a safe and effective treatment that can help you lose weight and improve your health! Schedule a consultation with an interventional radiologist today to learn more.
