Jump to content
  • 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 Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Quick Question Ladies


SammieMtz

Recommended Posts

SammieMtz Rookie

Ive had celiac disease for about 6-7months now and i havent treated it (im starting today) anyways I noticed when Im on my menstraul since having celiac disease that the cramps and mood swings are far worse.. I am however 16years old.. Does this happen to alot of you or is it perhaps my age and puberty as well??? :unsure:


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Lisa Mentor

Sweetie,

I am sorry that I can't help you with your question. I am on the flip side of your situations. I am 51, but wait until other chime in and they can better inform you. Hang in there and there will be an answer soon from someone your age...Take care

Merry Christmas to you.

Lisa B.

Guest CD_Surviver

i am also 16 and i have been gluten-free since i was about 6 but just recently went completely gluten-free and yes i have notice that my menstral cycles are more painful but the pain only last the first few days of the cycle.

Lauren

p.s. if you ever want to talk to someone you can always talk to me. either PM me or if you aim my sn is shackledtojesus

KaitiUSA Enthusiast

I had extremely bad ones for a while but the diet has seemed to help. Maybe there is another factor involved or something that could help you because if they are anything like mine used to be they are disabling.

SammieMtz Rookie

yeah mine r still-altho i havent been gluten-free but before i had celiac disease they didnt faze me one bit so hopefully now that im getting gluten-free they will calm down a bit n thanks for the replies- means alot

nettiebeads Apprentice
Ive had celiac disease for about 6-7months now and i havent treated it (im starting today) anyways I noticed when Im on my menstraul since having celiac disease that the cramps and mood swings are far worse.. I am however 16years old.. Does this happen to alot of you or is it perhaps my age and puberty as well??? :unsure:

Age, puberty, and gluten are probably all working together. Most of us with celiac disease notice extreme mood swings after ingesting gluten. And being at the time of your cycle probably doesn't help any either. I used to have horrible cramps when I was younger. Much younger. That was before the days of advil. If you take advil (ibuprofen) just as the pain starts in, you may be able to head off the worst of it. The ibuprofen inhibits the formation of (I think) progesterone, which has been tied to cramps. Or one of the hormones that goes up and down with the cycle. But anyhow, it works. That and midol which has a mild diuretic which also helps in relieving the symptoms.

Those days are long gone for me, but I am a mother to one daughter and was step mom to three girls - Talk about hormone city!!!

Annette

num1habsfan Rising Star
Ive had celiac disease for about 6-7months now and i havent treated it (im starting today) anyways I noticed when Im on my menstraul since having celiac disease that the cramps and mood swings are far worse.. I am however 16years old.. Does this happen to alot of you or is it perhaps my age and puberty as well??? :unsure:

I'm 21, but I got Celiac when I was 18 and since then(even since being on the diet) my menstrual cycle is shot. It comes any day it wants (sometimes a couple months since the last, sometimes a week after the last). It was last 2 to 13 days. Sometimes I have such pain I cant even move, sometimes no pain.

Probably doesnt help you much, but thats my side of the story.

~lisa~


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



SammieMtz Rookie
I'm 21, but I got Celiac when I was 18 and since then(even since being on the diet) my menstrual cycle is shot. It comes any day it wants (sometimes a couple months since the last, sometimes a week after the last). It was last 2 to 13 days. Sometimes I have such pain I cant even move, sometimes no pain.

Probably doesnt help you much, but thats my side of the story.

~lisa~

no it does help. thanks.... ive never talked 2 other celiacs before so this is great, its jus great 2 know im not alone

tarnalberry Community Regular

one thing to keep in mind - if you're getting gluten, and your intestines are inflammed, the general inflammation in the area may be putting more pressure on and further irritating the uterus, so that the spasming that causes the painful cramps gets worse. there are a number of things you can do to help with cramps:

1) regular (daily, even not during menstruation) calcium and magnesium supplements

2) regular (daily, even not during menstruation) exercise

3) start taking advil or aleve (not tylenol, it won't help) at least a day or two before cramps would ordinarily start, and keep taking them, at maximum strength for up to a day after they usually stop. getting ahead of the game is important on this one.

4) ok... no one kill me for suggesting this to a 16-year old, but ... orgasm. really - the physiologic effect on the uterus is known to reduce the severity of cramps. orgasm by masturbation is technically the only thing I can suggest, of course, since anything other than that would technically be illegal. ;-)

5) if #4 isn't an option for whatever reason, then menstrual massage may help. you might want to look it up online, or look in "our bodies, our selves", as it's a bit more complicated than I can explain here.

princessfuzzball Rookie

I was just about to ask this as well. I started cycling last night and the pain was at it's peak around noon today. I have been gluten-free for about six months now with a LOT of "accidental" glutenings (long story about my work situation here) and noticed that this is the most pain I was in in a very long time. When I first went gluten-free and was not getting sick, I noticed that my cramping went down and was not as bad. I highly reccomend the pain reliver/ calcium magnesium combination.

Good luck!

darlindeb25 Collaborator

I wonder if some of your problems have nothing to do with celiacs. Many women have menstrual problems without being celiac. I was always very regular, but had a very heavy flow, to the point that I could not leave home for the first 2 or 3 days. I am thankful I am on the down side of menopause--I served my time ;) Deb

Mandya0503 Newbie

I just found out I am a celiac but I've always had extremely painful cramps. I also have endometriosis (which is extremely hard to diagnose) since I was about 14 or so. (I'm 26 now.) I don't think endometriosis and celiac are related at all. But things that work for my cramps are:

Thermocare heating patches (wonderful!)

Advil Liqui-Gels (although I haven't checked if they're gluten free)

Birth Control helps. I went on it when I was 16 to help with the pain. I am very sensitive to the Pill though so I am on Nuva Ring. (The 1st and only birth control that does not make me sick!!) Maybe check with an OB-GYN and see about your options.

:D Mandy

SammieMtz Rookie

thanx and i just moved 2 utah so i dont have a doctor yet.......but i will find one...once again thanx ladies- helps alot

pokerprincess Newbie
Ive had celiac disease for about 6-7months now and i havent treated it (im starting today) anyways I noticed when Im on my menstraul since having celiac disease that the cramps and mood swings are far worse.. I am however 16years old.. Does this happen to alot of you or is it perhaps my age and puberty as well??? :unsure:

Sammie, I have been on the diet for about 3 years consistently. I have noticed a huge change in my menstrual. As long as I continue to stay extremely well it is very light and only last for about 3 days.

Last winter while visiting my sister, I kept getting glutened. I had the worst menstual I have ever had and it lasted for about 8 days with extreme cramps. Now that I am fairly well again it is barely noticable.

The diet should help you tremendously!

Good luck!

once and again Rookie

I read another thread that questioned the connection between mono and celiac disease. I'm also wondering about celiac and menstrual/gynecological connections. Although I am well past menstruating, I remember the horrible cramps. I also had endometriosis (twice) and fibroid tumors.

darkangel Rookie

A connection wouldn't surprise me. When I was on a completely grain-free diet is the only time I EVER had a period without cramps and all kinds of PMS woes.

I'm on a low-dose bc pill to help regulate my cycles and to keep cramps from getting too bad. I've had times when I've almost passed out from the pain.

A word of hope, though... I think it does get better as you get older. I remember my first couple of years of periods being horrible... lots of cramping and very heavy flow.

pokerprincess Newbie

Celiac is the direct effect of a hormone, we know the drastic mood swings that we experience, it only makes since that it would have an effect on something even more obviously physical.quote name='once and again' date='Dec 27 2005, 04:02 PM' post='86858']

I read another thread that questioned the connection between mono and celiac disease. I'm also wondering about celiac and menstrual/gynecological connections. Although I am well past menstruating, I remember the horrible cramps. I also had endometriosis (twice) and fibroid tumors.

anerissara Enthusiast

I had been getting progressivly worse cramps and bad pms the couple of years when the celiac disease started getting bad, before I went gluten free. I had never had either, so it was a real adjustment! After I went gluten-free, both things have really been reduced. I have no idea *why*, but it sure seemed to help!

SammieMtz, I live in Utah and got a suggestion from someone on a good Dr., I will look up her name again and post it here.

carriecraig Enthusiast

Huh, never made a connection, but my cycle has been out of whack for a few years, even while on the pill. I get spotting almost every month, and now that I've been gluten-free, I've had major mood swings and cramps. <_<

anerissara Enthusiast

Here are the dr.s in Utah (SLC area, there's a link somewhere that has others I think if you need it)

Linda S. Book, M.D.

Primary Childrens Hospital

Tel: (801) 588-3370

Janet Harnsberger, M.D. - Pediatric Gastroenterologist

Cottonwood Medical Tower

250 E 5770 S #330

Salt Lake City, UT 84107

Dr. Michael J. Sossenheimer

5810 So 300 East #235

Murray, Utah 84107

I had Dr. Harnsberger recommended to me by my kids' pediatrician, and since you're 16 she might be a good choice!

Kailynsmom Apprentice

My OB told me that diahhrea is normal with your period! Thank GOD! Otherwise I have a mild flu every month- haha!

Could it just be a combo of womanitis + celiac disease?

SammieMtz Rookie

ive never had the symptom^^^ but i do think that celiac diease really does interview or basically make our period worse....one day ill find out tho. Im going to college and then to medical school and im goin 2 study celiac diease and try to find a cure(doubt it.haha) or figure more out to help myself and other celiacs.... and anerissara thanks so much for the list of doctors- its greatly appreciated. and sorry guys Ill start sending out the emails right now

Archived

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


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,548
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Lunaluv
    Newest Member
    Lunaluv
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Scott Adams
      Your post demonstrates the profound frustration and isolation that so many in the Celiac community feel, and I want to thank you for channeling that experience into advocacy. The medical gaslighting you endured for decades is an unacceptable and, sadly, a common story, and the fact that you now have to "school" your own GI specialist speaks volumes about the critical lack of consistent and updated education. Your idea to make Celiac Disease a reportable condition to public health authorities is a compelling and strategic one. This single action would force the system to formally acknowledge the prevalence and seriousness of the disease, creating a concrete dataset that could drive better research funding, shape medical school curricula, and validate the patient experience in a way that individual stories alone often cannot. It is an uphill battle, but contacting representatives, as you have done with Adam Gray, is exactly how change begins. By framing it as a public health necessity—a matter of patient safety and protection from misdiagnosis and neglect—you are building a powerful case. Your voice and your perseverance, forged through thirty years of struggle, are exactly what this community needs to ensure that no one else has to fight so hard just to be believed and properly cared for.
    • Scott Adams
      I had no idea there is a "Louisville" in Colorado!😉 I thought it was a typo because I always think of the Kentucky city--but good luck!
    • Scott Adams
      Navigating medication safety with Celiac disease can be incredibly stressful, especially when dealing with asthma and severe allergies on top of it. While I don't have personal experience with the HealthA2Z brand of cetirizine, your caution is absolutely warranted. The inactive ingredients in pills, known as excipients, are often where gluten can be hidden, and since the FDA does not require gluten-free labeling for prescription or over-the-counter drugs, the manufacturer's word is essential. The fact that you cannot get a clear answer from Allegiant Health is a significant red flag; a company that is confident its product is gluten-free will typically have a customer service protocol to answer that exact question. In situations like this, the safest course of action is to consider this product "guilty until proven innocent" and avoid it. A better alternative would be to ask your pharmacist or doctor to help you identify a major national brand of cetirizine (like Zyrtec) whose manufacturer has a verified, publicly stated gluten-free policy for that specific medication. It's not worth the risk to your health when reliable, verifiable options are almost certainly available to you. You can search this site for USA prescriptions medications, but will need to know the manufacturer/maker if there is more than one, especially if you use a generic version of the medication: To see the ingredients you will need to click on the correct version of the medication and maker in the results, then scroll down to "Ingredients and Appearance" and click it, and then look at "Inactive Ingredients," as any gluten ingredients would likely appear there, rather than in the Active Ingredients area. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/   
    • Scott Adams
      What you're describing is indeed familiar to many in the Celiac community, especially in the early stages of healing. When the intestinal villi are damaged from Celiac disease, they struggle to properly digest and absorb fats, a condition known as bile acid malabsorption. This can cause exactly the kind of cramping and spasms you're seeing, as undigested fats can irritate the sensitive gut lining. It is highly plausible that her reactions to dairy and eggs are linked to their higher fat content rather than the proteins, especially since she tolerates lean chicken breast. The great news is that for many, this does improve with time. As her gut continues to heal on a strict gluten-free diet, her ability to produce the necessary enzymes and bile to break down fats should gradually return, allowing her to slowly tolerate a wider variety of foods. It's a slow process of healing, but your careful approach of focusing on low-fat, nutrient-dense foods like seeds and avocado is providing her system the best possible environment to recover. Many people with celiac disease, especially those who are in the 0-2 year range of their recovery, have additional food intolerance issues which could be temporary. To figure this out you may need to keep a food diary and do an elimination diet over a few months. Some common food intolerance issues are dairy/casein, eggs, corn, oats, and soy. The good news is that after your gut heals (for most people who are 100% gluten-free this will take several months to two years) you may be able to slowly add some these items back into your diet after the damaged villi heal. This article may be helpful: Thank you for sharing your story—it's a valuable insight for other parents navigating similar challenges.
    • Beverage
      I had a very rough month after diagnosis. No exaggeration, lost so much inflammatory weight, I looked like a bag of bones, underneath i had been literally starving to death. I did start feeling noticeably better after a month of very strict control of my kitchen and home. What are you eating for breakfast and lunch? I ignored my doc and ate oats, yes they were gluten free, but some brands are at the higher end of gluten free. Lots of celics can eat Bob's Red Mill gluten-free oats, but not me. I can now eat them, but they have to be grown and processed according to the "purity protocol" methods. I mail order them, Montana Gluten-Free brand. A food and symptoms and activities log can be helpful in tracking down issues. You might be totally aware, but I have to mention about the risk of airborne gluten. As the doc that diagnosed me warned . . Remember eyes, ears, nose, and mouth all lead to your stomach and intestines.  Are you getting any cross contamination? Airborne gluten? Any pets eating gluten (they eat it, lick themselves, you pet them...)? Any house remodeling? We live in an older home, always fixing something. I've gotten glutened from the dust from cutting into plaster walls, possibly also plywood (glues). The suggestions by many here on vitamin supplements also really helped me. I had some lingering allergies and asthma, which are now 99% gone. I was taking Albuterol inhaler every hour just to breathe, but thiamine in form of benfotiamine kicked that down to 1-2 times a day within a few days of starting it. Also, since cutting out inflammatory seed oils (canola, sunflower, grapeseed, etc) and cooking with real olive oil, avocado oil, ghee, and coconut oil, I have noticed even greater improvement overall and haven't used the inhaler in months! It takes time to weed out everything in your life that contains gluten, and it takes awhile to heal and rebuild your health. At first it's mentally exhausting, overwhelming, even obsessive, but it gets better and second nature.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

NOTICE: This site places This site places cookies on your device (Cookie settings). on your device. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use, and Privacy Policy.