16 year old daughter just diagnosed with Celiac and potentially POI

[Maureen1]

My 16 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with Celiac and potentially Premature Ovarian Insufficiency.  Her blood work indicated her FSH level was 100 which I know is seriously high.  She has been gluten free now for one month but they want to retest her FSH level to receive a diagnosis for POI.  I'm completely devastated for my daughter to think she will never be able to have children.  I'm wondering if anyone has experienced their FSH level normalizing once they were gluten free from such a high FSH level.  Thank you!

[Scott Adams]

I'm really sorry to hear about your daughter's diagnosis, and I can imagine how overwhelming this must feel for both of you. While I don't have personal experience, I do know that there can be a strong connection between celiac disease and hormone imbalances, and going gluten-free can sometimes help regulate these systems over time.

In some cases, high FSH levels in people with celiac disease have been linked to nutrient deficiencies or inflammation caused by gluten, and once the body starts healing on a strict gluten-free diet, things can improve. It's encouraging that they plan to retest her levels after a period on the gluten-free diet, as it might take time for the body to adjust.

I know it’s hard not to think about the worst-case scenario, but try to stay hopeful. Every case is unique, and some people do see improvements in hormone levels as they heal. It might also be helpful to work with a healthcare provider who understands both celiac disease and hormonal issues to make sure your daughter is getting the right support nutritionally and medically.

[knitty kitty]

Welcome to the forum, @Maureen1,

Have your daughter checked for vitamin and mineral deficiencies!  Celiac Disease causes malabsorption of essential nutrients.  Most newly diagnosed Celiacs are deficient in Vitamin D.  

Vitamin D is extremely important in hormone production, as well as (auto)immune system regulation.  Low Vitamin D is associated with high FSH.

Also, checking the Thyroid is warranted.  Low Vitamin D can affect the Thyroid which can stimulate high FSH levels.  

There are four fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K), and Eight Essential B vitamins, and Vitamin C, plus minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium, and a handful of trace minerals.  Our bodies don't function properly if we are not able to absorb these nutrients as occurs in Celiac Disease.  Doctors are not trained in nutrition and don't recognize nutritional deficiencies.  Blood tests are not accurate measurements of vitamin deficiencies.  One can have serious deficiencies before blood serum levels reflect a deficiency.   

I had serious nutritional deficiencies that caused hormone and fertility problems, among other things, so I understand how you both feel.  

Do get checked for nutritional deficiencies.  Since Celiac is genetic, all first degree relatives (parents, siblings) should be checked for Celiac Disease as well.

References:

Is there a link between premature ovarian failure and serum concentrations of vitamin D, zinc, and copper?

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22968257/

 

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and ovarian reserve in pre-menopausal women

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4317384/

 

The Associations of Vitamin D with Ovarian Reserve Markers and Depression: A Narrative Literature Review

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10780911/

 

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on ovarian reserve markers in infertile women with diminished ovarian reserve

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8830860/

 

Vitamin d deficiency and its association with thyroid disease

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24533019/

 

The relationship between thyroid function and ovarian reserve: a prospective cross-sectional study

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8485554/

 

The short-term effect of high dose vitamin D3 supplementation in improving hypovitaminosis in patients with type 2 diabetes - A randomized clinical trial

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35470105/