Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com!
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Celiac And Periods

GFreeMO

By GFreeMO
in Coping with Celiac Disease

Recommended Posts

GFreeMO Proficient
GFreeMO
Posted

Lately celiac has really been messing with my period.  Like for instance, in Nov.  I had 2 periods in one month.  Dec. and Jan were normal-ish.  I had one in Late Feb. and now I am having another one.  They seem to come at random.  Very annoying.  I also feel like crap on my period.  I am still dealing with intestinal inflammation and malabsorbtion issues.  My intestine is still really raw and inflamed.  (i've only been at this since the beginning of Jan with screw-ups in between.  I had to do a gluten challenge and it was horrible. I am dealing with all of that still)  a period does not help matters.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

I found that gluten makes any PMS type symptoms worse.  I also had issues with very heavy periods on gluten.  Depending on your age, it could be peri menopause.  Celiac can cause early menopause.  I heard that in a recent webinar you can access here: Open Original Shared Link

 

I'm really sorry that you had to suffer through a gluten challenge.  Whatever it is, I hope that you feel better soon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
GFreeMO Proficient
GFreeMO
  • Author
Posted

Thanks Steph.  I have noticed that gluten makes my PMS worse.  It also causes heavy and irregular periods.  Sadly, my undiagnosed celiac that went on for years robbed me from my chance of having children.  I think it is a combo.  of gluten and peri.  I am over 40 so that could def. be involved.  

 

I was gluten free for 3 years and started having problems.  I went to a new gastro and he had me do a gluten challenge.  I lasted a few days and am still paying the price.  I developed DH everywhere and the intestinal issues are still causing me problems.  My gut feels tender and swollen and a period made it so much worse.

 

Thanks.  

 

Edited for my horrible typing skills.   :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted
Hippocratic Oath

 

"I will Open Original Shared Link regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and Open Original Shared Link to anyone."

Link to comment
Share on other sites
mommyof4 Apprentice
mommyof4
Posted

I'm glad you brought this question up.  I find that sometimes it is difficult to know if symptoms I deal with are related to Celiac Disease, aging, peri-menopause, "normal" woman issues...it's crazy to sift through!

 

Have you been in to see your gyno just to make sure everything is ok?    

 

I have had some issues with ovulation & my periods also...I am 41 yrs old & was dianosed Celiac in Fall of 2011...not sure how many years undiagnosed.  What is crazy with me, is my G.I. issues get worse during ovulation & my period.  My paps are normal & I've had my ovaries ultrasounded.

 

Thank you, Steph, for that link to the webinar about perimenopause.  I've talked to my G.I. dr about my issues with my period.  The main response I get is that inflammation during those times of the month can affect our whole system, but to make sure I am seeing my gyno. also.

 

Anyways, sorry you are dealing with this...keep us posted on how things are going.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
GFreeMO Proficient
GFreeMO
  • Author
Posted

Steph, that is my thought exactly!

 

mommy of 4, I was at the gyn in Dec.  I mentioned it to her and she didn't seem at all concerned.  Just a celiac or peri thing I suppose.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites
LauraB0927 Apprentice
LauraB0927
Posted

After going gluten free, I noticed that my PMS and period symptoms became much worse too - once I even called the GYN to ask for a pain medication because Midol (my usual go-to for period pains) wasn't even making a dent anymore.  I was surprised when she switched my birth control medication to something else - I thought, "yeah ok, this wont work but I'll humor her this time.."  Now its been fine and my periods are very light without the pain.  Would you consider taking birth control just to regulate yourself and your periods??  Just a thought...  :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


CaliSparrow Collaborator
CaliSparrow
Posted

Also childless here. However, my periods were regular like clockwork until going gluten-free. Then I missed three in a row and now back on schedule. I think I've had this for so long, it would be impossible to know what "normal" is regarding PMS and menstrual symptoms. Being a rookie at Celiac, the longest I've made it is 35 days without being glutened (which means I'm either suffering or recovering when my period hits). Everything is awfully close in proximity in there and it stands to reason any inflammation will increase symptoms in either direction.

I thought it weird that my body reacted AFTER I eliminated gluten but think I threw everything into roller coaster mode with the back & forth issues of mistakes & recovery.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
EricaM15 Rookie
EricaM15
Posted

I've been having a similar problem. I was diagnosed with PCOS last October. I had a bad reaction to the medication they gave me to manage the symptoms, and I decided to go gluten-free at the beginning of December. When I was eliminating gluten, my periods came on time with no medication (only two or three times in a row), but now it seems like it's late every time I discover a new intolerance. Thankfully, it hasn't been painful. Last month, I had breakthrough bleeding that lasted a week before my period actually came. It's frustrating, but I assume once I get everything stable, it will start to regulate itself the way it should.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Join eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):



    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):



  • Recent Activity

    1. trents
      - trents replied to Fluka66's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Waiting for urgent referral.

      But if you have been off of wheat for a period of weeks/months leading up to the testing it will likely turn out to be negative for celiac disease, even if you actually have celiac disease. Given your symptoms when consuming gluten, we certainly understand your reluctance to undergo the "gluten challenge" before testing but you need to understand that the...
    2. Zackery Brian
      - Zackery Brian replied to rsvtwin6's topic in Food Intolerance & Leaky Gut
      6

      Gluten and 30 other Items causing me Severe Muscle Inflamation Pain

      I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing with your health. Dealing with celiac disease and multiple food sensitivities can indeed be overwhelming. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions based on your experience and the replies you've received: Confirming Diagnosis: It's great that your gastroenterologist confirmed your celiac disease...
    3. Fluka66
      - Fluka66 replied to Fluka66's topic in Celiac Disease Pre-Diagnosis, Testing & Symptoms
      5

      Waiting for urgent referral.

      Thank you very much for your reply. I hadn't heard of celiac disease but began to notice a pattern of pain. I've been on the floor more than once with agonising pain but this was always put down to another abdominal problem consequently I've been on a roundabout of backwards and forwards with another consultant for many years. I originally questioned this...
    4. Moodiefoodie
      - Moodiefoodie replied to Moodiefoodie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      9

      Joint swelling when ill even on gluten-free diet

      Wow! Fascinating info. Thanks so much! I really appreciate the guidance. @Spacepanther Over the years I have had rheumatologists do full lab work ups on me. They told me they had screened me for arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease (all negative). In addition to joint pain and stiffness I had swelling in both knees that later moved to my elbow as well. I also...
    5. knitty kitty
      - knitty kitty replied to Moodiefoodie's topic in Related Issues & Disorders
      9

      Joint swelling when ill even on gluten-free diet

      @Spacepanther, I found these articles about the connection between Celiac and joint pain. Musculoskeletal Complications of Celiac Disease: A Case-Based Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10201087/ And Intestinal microbiome composition and its relation to joint pain and inflammation https://www.ncbi.nlm...
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      121,062
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Sherry Glaser
    Newest Member
    Sherry Glaser
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.3k
    • Total Posts
      1m
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      Waiting for urgent referral.

      By trents · Posted

      But if you have been off of wheat for a period of weeks/months leading up to the testing it will likely turn out to be negative for celiac disease, even if you actually have celiac disease. Given your symptoms when consuming gluten, we certainly understand your reluctance to undergo  the "gluten challenge" before testing but you need to understand that the testing may be a waste of time if you don't. What are you going to do if it is negative for celiac disease? Are you going to go back to merrily eating wheat/barley/rye products while living in pain and destroying your health? You will be in a conundrum. Do I or do I not? And you will likely have a difficult time being consistent with your diet. Celiac disease causes inflammation to the small bowel villous lining when gluten containing grains are consumed. This inflammation produces certain antibodies that can be detected in the blood after they reach a certain level, which takes weeks or months after the onset of the disease. If gluten is stopped or drastically reduced, the inflammation begins to decrease and so do the antibodies. Before long, their low levels are not detectable by testing and the antibody blood tests done for diagnosing celiac disease will be negative. Over time, this inflammation wears down the billions of microscopic, finger-like projections that make up the lining and form the nutrient absorbing layer of the small bowel where all the nutrition in our food is absorbed. As the villi bet worn down, vitamin and mineral deficiencies typically develop because absorption is compromised. An endoscopy with biopsy of the small bowel lining to microscopically examine this damage is usually the second stage of celiac disease diagnosis. However, when people cut out gluten or cut back on it significantly ahead of time before the biopsy is done, the villous lining has already experienced some healing and the microscopic examination may be negative or inconclusive. I'm not trying to tell you what to do I just want you to understand what the consequences of going gluten free ahead of testing are as far as test results go so that you will either not waste your time in having the tests done or will be prepared for negative test results and the impact that will have on your dietary decisions. And, who are these "consultants" you keep talking about and what are their qualifications? You are in the unenviable position that many who joint this forum have found themselves in. Namely, having begun a gluten free diet before getting a proper diagnosis but unwilling to enter into the gluten challenge for valid testing because of the severity of the symptoms it would cause them.
    • Zackery Brian
      Gluten and 30 other Items causing me Severe Muscle Inflamation Pain

      By Zackery Brian · Posted

      I'm sorry to hear about the challenges you've been facing with your health. Dealing with celiac disease and multiple food sensitivities can indeed be overwhelming. Here are a few thoughts and suggestions based on your experience and the replies you've received: Confirming Diagnosis: It's great that your gastroenterologist confirmed your celiac disease diagnosis through additional tests. Understanding the specifics of your condition can help tailor your approach to managing it more effectively. Food Sensitivity Testing: While blood tests for food sensitivities can provide some insights, they may not always be completely accurate. As mentioned by others, false positives are common, and individual responses to specific foods can vary. Discussing your test results and symptoms with a healthcare professional knowledgeable about celiac disease and food sensitivities can help clarify your situation. Research and Education: Exploring conditions like Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance could shed further light on your symptoms and provide additional avenues for managing your health. Gathering information from reliable sources and discussing your findings with your healthcare team can help you make informed decisions about your care. Dietary Management: Managing celiac disease and multiple food sensitivities can be challenging, but finding a balance that works for you is crucial. Working with a dietitian who specializes in celiac disease and food intolerances can help you develop a personalized dietary plan that meets your nutritional needs while minimizing symptoms. Stress Management: Chronic pain and health issues can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Finding healthy coping strategies to manage stress, such as mindfulness, relaxation techniques, or engaging in activities you enjoy, may help improve your overall quality of life. Remember, you're not alone in your journey, and seeking support from healthcare professionals, support groups, or online communities can provide valuable encouragement and guidance.
    • Fluka66
      Waiting for urgent referral.

      By Fluka66 · Posted

      Thank you very much for your reply. I hadn't heard of celiac disease but began to notice a pattern of pain. I've been on the floor more than once with agonising pain but this was always put down to another abdominal problem consequently I've been on a roundabout of backwards and forwards with another consultant for many years. I originally questioned this diagnosis but was assured it was the reason for my pain. Many years later the consultant gave up and I had a new GP. I started to cut out certain food types ,reading packets then really started to cut out wheat and went lactose free. After a month I reintroduced these in one meal and ended screaming in agony the tearing and bloating pain. With this info and a swollen lymph node in my neck I went back to the GP.  I have a referral now . I have also found out that acidic food is causing the terrible pain . My thoughts are this is irritating any ulcers. I'm hoping that after a decade the outlook isn't all bad. My blood test came back with a high marker but I didn't catch what it was. My GP and I have agreed that I won't go back on wheat just for the test due to the pain , my swollen lymph node and blood test results.  Trying to remain calm for the referral and perhaps needed to be more forceful all those years ago but I'm not assertive and consultants can be overwhelming. Many thanks for your reply . Wishing you all the best.
    • Moodiefoodie
      Joint swelling when ill even on gluten-free diet

      By Moodiefoodie · Posted

      Wow! Fascinating info. Thanks so much! I really appreciate the guidance. @Spacepanther Over the years I have had rheumatologists do full lab work ups on me. They told me they had screened me for arthritis, lupus, and Lyme disease (all negative). In addition to joint pain and stiffness I had swelling in both knees that later moved to my elbow as well.  I also experience stiffness and pain in my neck and shoulders when it flares. I vomited fairly often growing up, but there wasn’t a real pattern to it and I didn’t know it wasn’t normal (thought people caught stomach viruses often).  I don’t usually have stomach symptoms immediately after eating gluten that I notice.  The only other joint condition I know of is fibromyalgia. Good luck! Hope you can get it figured out. I only assumed my joint symptoms were due to the celiac’s because it is under control for the most part on a gluten-free diet.  The rheumatologist also mentioned that some inflammatory/autoimmune diseases can be slow-moving and not detectable until they progress.
    • knitty kitty
      Joint swelling when ill even on gluten-free diet

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      @Spacepanther, I found these articles about the connection between Celiac and joint pain. Musculoskeletal Complications of Celiac Disease: A Case-Based Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10201087/ And   Intestinal microbiome composition and its relation to joint pain and inflammation https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6814863/ And The gut microbiome-joint connection: implications in osteoarthritis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6903327/ Sounds like it's time to change the diet to change the microbiome.
×
×
  • Create New...