Dealing with celiac and menstrual cycle

[annirosex]

Does anyone know how celiac can affect your menstrual cycle? I’ve noticed a lot of changes since my diagnosis and as I am on the mini contraceptive pill I was wondering if they could mix with one another. Also, the committing from celiac has led to my menstrual cycle being unpredictable regardless of my pill.

[Scott Adams]

Celiac disease can indeed impact your menstrual cycle due to the body's impaired nutrient absorption, which may lead to deficiencies in iron, vitamins, and minerals essential for hormonal balance. Malnutrition and chronic inflammation from untreated celiac can disrupt ovulation and cycle regularity, potentially causing irregular or missed periods. Additionally, vomiting from celiac flare-ups could affect the effectiveness of the mini-pill, as consistent absorption is crucial for contraception. Since the mini-pill has a narrower window for error compared to combined pills, gastrointestinal issues might reduce its reliability. It’s worth discussing these concerns with your doctor—they may recommend adjusting your contraceptive method or closely monitoring nutrient levels to stabilize both your celiac symptoms and menstrual cycle. Tracking symptoms and dietary adherence could also help identify patterns. Hope this helps!

[DebD5]

On 5/6/2025 at 2:05 AM, annirosex said:

Does anyone know how celiac can affect your menstrual cycle? I’ve noticed a lot of changes since my diagnosis and as I am on the mini contraceptive pill I was wondering if they could mix with one another. Also, the committing from celiac has led to my menstrual cycle being unpredictable regardless of my pill.

Have you had your thyroid checked? I was diagnosed at 24 with celiac. Lost my period permanently at 32. Found out six months after I lost my period that I had 1 ovary with 1 follicle. I had a child already but wanted more. Ended up having two more children with one ovary and one follicle. But my doctors theories are if I would have gotten my thyroid checked sooner and fixed through medication, maybe things would look different. Who knows. I only share my experience so you question your doctors and advocate. Always see an endocrinologist for thyroid care fyi. Actually always see the specific Dr for your specific ailments. I’d also consider seeing a gynecologist that specializes in female hormones/menopausal symptoms. Early ovarian failure happens in celiacs so I read  on the celiac disease center in Chicago website. 

[Scott Adams]

Good point, as thyroid conditions are more common in those with celiac disease:

https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/celiac-disease-amp-related-diseases-and-disorders/thyroid-pancreatic-disorders-and-celiac-disease/

[knitty kitty]

@annirosex,

Get your Vitamin D level checked.  Low Vitamin D can mess up menstrual cycles.  Vitamin D at healthy levels (80-100) acts as a hormone and regulates your immune system.  Thiamine Vitamin B 1 is needed to activate Vitamin D, so adding thiamine in the form Benfotiamine would be beneficial.