monthly periods in obese women.
“A common-sense approach would be to offer weight-loss support to women experiencing heavy menstrual bleeding with a high BMI as part of their treatment,” Maybin adds.
There are other causes of heavy menstrual bleeding, including bleeding disorders, fibroids or other abnormal growths in the uterus, she notes.
Losing weight may make a difference for these women, but this is often easier said than done, she notes. Many women tend to overeat as a result of feeling anemic after losing so much blood. Heavy periods may also make women feel lightheaded due to iron deficiency causing them to skip out on exercise. In short, trying to control other symptoms of heaving periods can lead to weight gain.
Given how hard it is to lose weight and keep it off, doctors often treat the symptoms of heavy menstrual periods after ruling out other potential causes.
“It is important to emphasize that [weight loss] should not replace investigations and treatment of [other] underlying causes for their heavy periods,” Maybin adds.
The following tips can help control your heavy periods, weight gain or fibroids:
- Be aware of the iron deficiency and use vitamins or diet to correct it.
- Eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables.
- Eat foods high in fiber, such as cruciferous vegetables or oats.
- Get enough vitamin D, which can lower your risk of uterine fibroids by 32 percent.
- Avoid foods that affect estrogen, like soy, tofu and red meat.
- Avoid sugary foods and refined carbs.
How do fibroids cause weight gain?
When fibroids grow large in size, they can cause weight gain in the abdomen, weigh several pounds or even push on other organs. In severe cases, some women may appear pregnant because of excess weight gain.
A large fibroid cluster can measure more than eight inches in diameter, which is around the size of a small watermelon. Fibroids of this size can directly impact a woman’s weight.
When to see a doctor
If your symptoms are affecting your daily life or if you notice a bulge in your lower abdomen, you should check in with a doctor to see if you may have fibroids. Fibroids have symptoms in common with more serious diseases. So as you aim to lose weight, keep a watchful eye on them.
Additionally, if you have fibroids that go beyond four inches in diameter, or the size of a grapefruit, you need to consult your doctor. This can impact other organs such as your bladder and lungs. There is also an increased risk of blood clots or ruptures.
If you are looking to treat your heavy periods, talk to your doctor about oral contraceptives.
“Oral contraceptives containing the hormones estrogen and progestin can keep the uterine lining thinner, resulting in less bleeding,” Dunaif shares.