Many factors can contribute to the development of uterine fibroids. Age, race and genetics are by far the most prevalent factors, but being overweight can also increase your risk. In fact, the chances of their development is two to three times greater in obese women than in women of an average weight, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Women’s Health. Therefore, losing weight can go a long way in reducing your risk of this condition.
Fibroids
While the cause of uterine fibroids isn’t well understood, it appears that estrogen and progesterone can promote their growth. Cells within the muscles of the uterus can contain receptors for either of these hormones. As levels of estrogen and progesterone change, it can stimulate these cells to reproduce repeatedly until a mass forms, thereby causing the fibroid.
Obesity
The link between weight and fibroids lies in hormone production. A study published in the August/September 2011 “South Asia Journal of Family Medicine” found that obese women tend to produce more estrogen than women of an average weight. The increased production of estrogen, however, isn’t linked to the ovaries. Instead, the excess body fat causes androgens, or male sex hormones, to convert into this female sex hormone, thereby elevating the level of estrogen in the body. The increase in estrogen causes any uterine cell with an estrogen receptor to divide abnormally, eventually causing a uterine mass.
Symptoms
Although not all women develop symptoms from uterine fibroids, the mass can lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding. It may also cause more frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation and back pain. You may experience pelvic pressure or pelvic pain as well.
Weight Loss
Losing weight can decrease your risk of uterine fibroids, so talk to a doctor to determine the best weight-loss strategy for you. Reducing portion sizes and increasing your intake of healthier foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help, but you may also need to increase your physical activity. Both diet and exercise can encourage a caloric deficit, needed to promote weight loss. It takes a deficit of 3,500 calories to lose a pound of fat. If you’re able to reach a deficit of 500 calories a day, you can expect to lose 1 lb. each week. Double the deficit and double the results.
Treatment
Weight loss may not be enough to treat fibroids that have already developed. In this situation, you may then need a medication or medical procedure to improve your condition. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, progestin-releasing intrauterine devices and even androgens can help to minimize fibroids and reduce symptoms of the condition. If medications fail to improve your condition, your doctor may recommend having the fibroids removed surgically.
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