Does Your Uterus Feel Heavy?

Pregnancy

One of the most common reasons for the uterus to expand and feel heavy is pregnancy. Normally, the uterus is very small, but it grows about 1,000 times its normal size by the time the baby is born. Once the baby is delivered, the uterus will naturally begin to shrink back to its original size.

Adenomyosis

Sometimes cells that normally grow as part of the uterine lining become displaced and begin to grow within the uterine wall. This condition is called adenomyosis, and the reason that it occurs is still unknown.

The normal function of the uterine lining is to build up each month and then shed in the absence of a fertilized egg. The displaced cells also begin to build up but since they are growing within the wall of the uterus, they just build up and cannot shed, causing the uterus to expand. One of the key signs of adenomyosis is that the wall of the uterus becomes abnormally thicker, and the uterus can double or triple in size.

The symptoms associated with adenomyosis are similar to those associated with uterine fibroids, and adenomyosis is often misdiagnosed as a result. Some of the symptoms include:

1. Heavy bleeding during menstruation;
2. Painful cramping;
3. Pain during intercourse;
4. Tenderness and swelling of the abdomen.

Period/Ovulation

Many women say their uterus feels heavy before their period and this may be due to the increase in blood in the uterus but this uncomfortable feeling of heaviness in the uterus is caused by a combination of the retention of extra water, excess gas, and bloating.

Another reason your uterus feels heavy and crampy during menstruation is partially due to the normal thickening of the lining of the uterus. This lining can build up and increase the volume of the uterus by almost 15%.

Bloating before a monthly period is one of several symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and can occur as early as a week or two before menstruation begins. Hormonal changes can cause the retention of more water than usual. Women complain their uterus feels heavy and swollen just before they start their period.

Periods that occur with heavy bleeding and pelvic pain are not normal and should be investigated by a doctor. Uterine fibroids may be to blame for these symptoms or if the uterus feels heavy.

Cancer

Uterine, Endometrial, and Cervical cancers can all create tumors and can cause swelling of the uterus or make your uterus feel heavy. These types of cancers are tricky to diagnose because they share so many common symptoms with other women’s reproductive conditions. Some of these symptoms include:

1. Abnormal bleeding that is not associated with your period;
2. Pain during sex;
3. Pelvic pain;
4. Pain while urinating or the feeling of a full bladder that will not empty.

Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow inside and on the uterus and approximately 80% of women will experience fibroids by the time they are 50 years old.

Some women will not experience any fibroid-related symptoms while others may have debilitating symptoms that inhibit their ability to function. Some of the most common fibroid symptoms include:

1. Prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding;
2. Painful periods;
3. Pain or discomfort during sex;
4. Lower back or leg pain;
5. Heavy uterus or bloated uterus.

Fibroids can be small and not cause any noticeable symptoms or they can grow very large and weigh several pounds. They can even make a woman appear several months pregnant.

If your uterus feels heavy and you are experiencing symptoms such as constipation, frequent urination, a distended abdomen, etc these are known as “bulk symptoms” because they are related to the extra volume that has been caused in your uterus by uterine fibroids.

Uterine fibroids that cause symptoms that interfere with a woman’s normal routine require medical treatment. A woman may be offered surgical treatment options by her OB-GYN such as a myomectomy (surgical removal of the fibroids) or hysterectomy (total removal of the uterus). Neither of these surgical options is ideal as women who undergo myomectomies often have to repeat the procedure within 5 years due to fibroid recurrence and the removal of the uterus is associated with several serious long-term side effects.