Can endometriosis cause weight gain? We answer questions about endometriosis symptoms and health effects
If you have recently received an endometriosis diagnosis or think that you might have it, you probably have questions about just what is going on in your body. Maybe you are wondering about common symptoms and complications and asking yourself questions like, “can endometriosis cause weight gain?” Read on to learn about this condition.
What’s most important is that you are in the right hands for your care. You want an endometriosis doctor you can trust to be compassionate and professional. In the Coral Springs Florida area, schedule an appointment at Dr. Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology.
We are here to support you. Call us today at 954) 340-1050 or book online.
Endometriosis: What’s happening in your body
When you suffer from endometriosis, that means that the same sort of tissue that forms the lining of the uterus (the endometrium) is found outside the uterus where it doesn’t belong. This endometrial-like tissue acts just like the endometrium inside the uterus. It grows then breaks down and bleeds each month just like a menstrual cycle.
The areas of your body that surround the endometrial-like tissue can become irritated, inflamed, and swollen. Plus the monthly build-up-break-down-bleeding cycle can cause scar tissue, called adhesions. Sometimes adhesions cause tissue and organs in your pelvis to stick together.
Endometriosis symptoms
The most common symptom of endometriosis is telltale pain, although some people have endometriosis and don’t even know it. According to The ACOG, pain symptoms include:
- Chronic, searing pelvic pain, especially before and during menstruation
- Pain during sexual intercourse
- Pain during bowel movements
- Pain during urination
Heavy menstrual bleeding is another symptom of endometriosis, as is a condition sometimes called “endo belly”: an array of uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, fluid retention, constipation and gas. Your belly can get tight and swollen and appear like you’re pregnant or have gained weight.
Can endometriosis cause weight gain?
There are differing opinions in the medical community about whether endometriosis ever directly causes weight gain. There isn’t any formal research that links weight gain to endometriosis but there is anecdotal evidence – so it may be possible for some endo sufferers.
It’s likely that any weight gain experienced by women with endometriosis is actually a cause of hormonal imbalances. Endometriosis is linked to the hormone estrogen. Research shows that women with endometriosis have high levels of estrogen.
Some forms of estrogen are linked with how the body handles weight gain. So it is possible that changes in hormone levels could lead to changes in body weight.
Get the care you deserve
Endometriosis is more common that you may realize. It can occur in about 1 in 10 women of reproductive age and is most often diagnosed in people in their 30s and 40s. The main complication of endometriosis is struggling with fertility.
It’s important to have support when you are struggling with endometriosis. Check out these resources:
And be sure you have a compassionate doctor you can trust to help you on your path to health. Dr. Lona Sasser Obstetrics and Gynecology is accepting new patients and would love to hear from you.
Our respected and friendly doctors are proud to be a top choice for your health care in Coral Springs and the surrounding areas. To make an appointment with Dr. Lona Sasser Obstetrics & Gynecology, you can easily make an appointment online or give us a call at (954) 340-1050.
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