Which of the following symptoms is often associated with uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are benign tumors of the uterus that often lead to various symptoms due to their location and size. One of the most common symptoms associated with uterine fibroids is irregular periods. Many individuals with fibroids may experience heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, or unpredictable menstrual cycles. This irregularity is primarily due to the fibroids disrupting the normal uterine lining and contraction mechanisms, leading to abnormal bleeding patterns.

In contrast, the other symptoms listed—weight loss, inability to urinate, and severe headaches—are not typically associated with uterine fibroids. Weight loss might suggest other health issues, inability to urinate may indicate a different kind of obstruction, and severe headaches may point towards migraine or other neurological conditions rather than being directly linked with the presence of fibroids. Thus, the occurrence of irregular periods is a key feature that can help in identifying uterine fibroids.