Does Endometriosis Cause Weight Gain?

By HelloLife

There are no studies that directly correlate weight gain and endometriosis. However, many women with endometriosis also find they have gained weight. How do we explain this link?

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrium, a tissue which lines the inside of the uterus, also is found outside the uterus. The endometrium is the tissue which develops when an egg is produced from the ovaries and will house the egg after fertilization. If the egg is not fertilized it, along with the endometrium, is flushed from the body as your menstrual flow, or period. In cases of endometriosis, the tissue is located outside the uterus although it still undergoes the same building up and breaking down process. When it bleeds outside the uterus, it can irritate the surrounding area and cause adhesions or cysts. Endometriosis can be very painful and very severe, although severity of endometriosis doesn't necessarily mean severe pain. The endometriosis can be very small and cause a great deal of pain; it all depends on where it's located and the anatomy of the woman.

Where Is Endometriosis Found?

Endometriosis is usually found near the uterus and ovaries, although in some cases it can be found in or around the bowels and bladder. Very rarely is it found in other parts of the body, though this is possible.

Endometriosis and Weight Gain

There is no study that says endometriosis directly causes weight gain. However, women with endometriosis often experience some weight gain. We must look beyond the condition to determine why these women may gain weight

Current Treatment for Endometriosis

Current treatment for endometriosis usually involves the use of hormone pills such as birth control to slow or ease the occurrence of the condition. Birth control pills are commonly known to cause at least minor weight gain, and for some women, more severe weight gain. Since endometriosis can cause severe pain and cramping, especially during menstruation, women with the condition may not be as active as other women. While doctors do recommend exercise for everyone, it is suggested that exercise can ease symptoms of menstruation and endometriosis. Often though the last thing a woman with severe cramping wants to do is get up and exercise; however it's been shown that regular exercise can ease menstrual symptoms.

Coping With Endometriosis

It is important that women with endometriosis find ways to deal with their symptoms. Try to exercise between painful periods, and see if this will ease some symptoms. Women with endometriosis often experience bouts of depression and anxiety, which can also lead to weight gain. Consider a support group or therapist to deal with the often frustrating side effects of your condition. Learning healthy coping strategies will go a long way to alleviate the emotional side effects you may experience.

Sources: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/endometriosis/DS00289/DSECTION=1

5 Comments

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HelloLife
Hi Jennifer,

Although there is a theory that getting the tubes tied will inhibit endometriosis, there are a number of women who will testify otherwise.

It appears that the fluid can still cause problems even when the tubes are "blocked". And as long as the ovaries are still there, hormone production continues and the endometriosis can return.

You might want to consider getting a second opinion if your own doctor is not really meeting your needs. In the meantime, try things at home, like warm baths and a heating pad, which can help relax pelvic muscles, and reducing cramping and pain.

All the best!
Commented on HelloLife May 15 2009 at 8:40 am
HelloLife Guest
i had my tubes tide like 11 months agoand have had symptoms of endometriose every sence and its getting worse everyone i know that has had theres tide have endometriose and said i needed to be checked so i plan on it.
Commented on HelloLife November 03 2009 at 12:39 pm
HelloLife Guest
From what I have found out about Endo is this:

If you have your ovaries you will continue having Endo because the Endo feed on the Estrogen that your body produces. The Endo even is affected by food that turns into estrogen, like broccoli. If you have Endo then more than likely you are estrogen dominant and are also able to have estrogen migraines. Once I got my ovaries out... No more pain or migraines. Because I had all three types of Endo I had to take out my Uterus which I can now have sex without pain. Now only if I can figure out if because of the damage the Endo has done to me internally when will I be able to lose weight easier.?
Commented on HelloLife March 11 2010 at 4:32 pm
Gail
I do believe that the lack of activity can contribute to weight gain. Also, the connection between taking hormonal based treatments and endometriosis weight gain cannot be overlooked. Also, women with endo can feel quite depressed which can lead to comfort eating (possibly). Sometimes there is no logical explanation-one lady I know "ballooned" when diagnosed and she wasn't doing anything different. Natural treatment can also help as an alternative to conventional hormonal meds. http://endometriosisnaturaltreatment.net
Commented on HelloLife October 27 2011 at 6:46 am
Ariel
I was just told by my new doctor that I have adenomyosis, we figured this out by me getting an MRI done. Now , after the MRI considering they gave me this stuff through an IV, which made my stomach become very bloted. I have been putting on so many pounds since, which is very scarey, I have has dizziness, nausea, and a terrible headach that jsut wont go away. My doctor wants me to get my uterus removed, which I dont want to do(IM Scared). But I have had my tubes tied for about 6 1/2 years.
Commented on HelloLife March 06 at 2:35 pm