There are a number of explanations for a heavy feeling in lower abdomen areas. In both men and women, this symptom may be a cause for concern. It may leave you wondering, "could it be cancer" or "could I be pregnant". The answer is that there are a whole range of causes of heaviness and even pain in the lower abdomen. The good news is that most of the causes are nothing to worry about. While it is a good idea to get checked by your doctor if the symptoms continue or get worse, there are some simple and easy remedies to bring you relief if you find out that it's nothing serious. Read on to learn more about this condition and what to do about it.

Possible Causes of Heavy Feeling in Lower Abdomen

It is very normal to experience a heavy feeling in the lower abdomen from time to time as long as the feeling doesn't last longer than a day or two. Here are some of the possible causes:

1. Ascites

This is a build-up of fluid in the cavity just outside the abdominal wall. The swelling can cause a heavy feeling along with symptoms like: bloating, pain, bruised feeling and cramping. The abdomen can also feel very tight.

2. Bowel Obstruction

Obstructed bowels can lead to food waste backing up in the colon. This can cause a heavy feeling along with: pain, gas, bloating and stomach upset.

3. Injuries

A mild abdominal injury may just cause a heavy feeling in the lower and pelvic areas. Other symptoms include: tight muscles in the abdomen, cramping feelings and bruising.

4. Muscle Overexertion

Overexertion of the abdominal muscles, such as sit-ups, crunches, and plank style movements, can strain and cause cramping in the abdominal muscles. For some, this may just manifest as a heavy feeling in lower abdomen muscles. Other symptoms include: cramping, muscle tension, and tightness.

5. Constipation

When your bowels are backed up, it can lead to a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. This is caused by too much feces in the lower colon and can lead to other symptoms like tightness, abdominal pain, bloating and gas.

6. Stomach Flu (Gastritis)

Viruses that cause gastritis can lead to inflammation of the lining of the abdomen. This can cause a heavy feeling and other symptoms, such as sore abdominal muscles, aching, and tight feeling muscles.

7. Female Reproductive Issues

Problems in the female reproductive system can cause the lower abdomen and pelvic area to feel heavy. This includes: ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, polyps in the uterus, and endometriosis.

8. Irritable Bowel Disorder

For some, this can cause a heavy feeling in lower abdomen along with: abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, and diarrhea. Bloating is often a commonly felt symptom with IBS.

9. Abdominal Mass

A mass in the lower pelvis can cause the lower part of the abdomen to feel heavy. It can also cause pain, bloating, constipation, and a feeling of fullness.

10. Female Periods

Monthly periods in females can cause heaviness in the lower abdomen from ovulation through the start of the monthly period. Some women experience PMS (premenstrual syndrome) all month long with other symptoms, such as tight feelings in the lower abdomen, mood swings, and heavy cramping.

11. Pregnancy

Early pregnancy can cause a heavy feeling in lower abdomen that can even be present before the pregnancy test is positive. Other early symptoms include: bloating, spotting, mild cramping, breast tenderness, and nausea.

12. Enlarged Prostate

Men with prostate enlargement can feel heaviness in their lower abdomen and pelvis. Other symptoms include: urinary frequency, dribbling, and sexual dysfunction.

13. UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)

An infection in the bladder, kidneys, or urethra can make your lower abdomen feel heavy. Symptoms also include: pain with urination, fever, urgent and frequent urination.

How to Deal with Heavy Feeling in Lower Abdomen

If the heaviness in the lower abdomen lasts longer than a few days or is accompanied by severe pain and/or fever, you should get checked by a doctor. If the feeling is mild and your doctor says things are fine, here are a few things you can do:

1. Cinnamon and Honey

Try mixing one teaspoon of cinnamon powder into water in a pot. Bring to a boil and simmer for a few minutes. Pour into a coffee mug and stir in some honey for a nice cinnamon tea to settle the stomach.

2. Buttermilk with Cumin

Stir ½ teaspoon of cumin into an 8-ounce glass of buttermilk and add a dash of black pepper. You can take this two to three times daily for stomach upset.

3. Clove Oil

Take two to three drops of clove oil and stir into water. Drink first thing in the morning to help relieve any gas and bloating.

4. Fennel

Take raw fennel and chew after each meal. This can help your body release built-up gas and cleanse the bowel.

5. Baking Soda

Make a baking soda paste and rub onto your tummy. Baking soda helps balance the ph in the digestive system. Always ask your doctor before taking baking soda internally.

6. Fennel Seeds and Currants

Take a teaspoon of fennel seed and a tablespoon of currants. Crush well and add to a glass of water with some sugar and drink first thing in the morning before you eat.

Note: If you are pregnant, always ask your obstetrician before using home remedies.

Other People's Experiences on Heavy Feeling in Lower Abdomen

I have had a heavy feeling in my lower abdomen for about the last two weeks. I also felt "crampy" and was having a lot of gas. My stomach has always been flat and got really big during this time. It kind of felt like constipation, but my bowels were moving fine. I went ahead and used a laxative, but it didn't help. The feeling also goes to my back and my stomach gets so big that I feel out of breath. All I know is before this all started, I tried a detox diet for 20 days. I ate nothing but fresh fruits, vegetables and juices made from them. It did give me a lot of energy, but all the fruits caused me major bloating during the detox phase. I have been vegan for a year and don't eat eggs, dairy or any meat. It seems like since I stopped eating animal products, I have had a lot of stomach issues. My doctor suggested using a probiotic to help balance things out. (Jeremy, age 28)

I just found out that I have Celiac disease. I was suffering from heaviness in my lower belly and diarrhea with periods of constipation. I also had bad cramping in my stomach. The doctor said that gluten sensitivity can cause these issues. The test was pretty easy. I cut out all gluten and dairy products for around 2 weeks. After two weeks, I added dairy back in and didn't have any problems. Then I added gluten back in and the bloating and heaviness came back. (Mary, age 34)