Between 20 percent and 80 percent of women develop uterine fibroids by age 50, reports the website WomensHealth.gov. Uterine fibroids are benign growths of the uterus. Symptoms of uterine fibroids may include heavy menstrual flow, abdominal pain, and frequent urination. Little connection exists between weight loss and fibroids. However, they appear to be slightly more prevalent in women who are overweight and obese.
Causes
The exact cause of uterine fibroids remains uncertain, but hormones and heredity are suspected factors. Approximately three out of four women will have uterine fibroids at some point in their lives, reports the Mayo Clinic. Women who use birth control pills appear to be less apt to develop firbroids.
Fibroids are most common in premenopausal women in their 30s and 40s. Once a woman reaches menopause, fibroids tend to get smaller or stop growing.
Obesity is linked with uterine fibroids, according to the National Uterine Fibroid Foundation, or NUFF. It's unclear if and how excess weight might cause fibroids to develop.
Significance
Fibroids can grow larger than a cantaloupe or be as tiny as a walnut. Fibroids can appear as one large tumor or as a collection of smaller ones. While women with smaller fibroids may be unaware of their existence, large growths can cause the uterus to expand in size and appearance to be a mid to late term pregnancy, reports Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
Symptoms
Fibroids generally do not cause symptoms, reports the website Womens Health.gov. Some women may experience very heavy bleeding to the point of anemia, spotting between periods, swelling or bloating in the pelvic region and abdominal area and lower back pain. Constipation, frequent urination and painful sex are all possible. In rare cases, fibroids may cause fertility issues.
Prevention/Solution
Losing excess weight may theoretically help to lower your chances of developing uterine fibroids, since very overweight women are up to three times more likely to develop them. However, no preventative guidelines exist for uterine fibroids, according to the UPMC.
Uterine fibroids don't usually require treatment. Surgery and medications may be necessary if they cause persistent pain.
Outlook
Although the effects of weight loss on uterine fibroids are not fully understood, shedding excess pounds can help improve your overall state of health. Obesity can lead to serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers, reports Medline Plus.
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