Ladies, Celiac & Menstrual Cycles?

[dbuhl79]

I've seen other people mention that there menstrual cycle changed when they were struck with Celiac Disease or as part of their symptoms.

Along wth the onset of these odd digestive symptoms, mine has also changed.

I'm curious, what have doctors told you about this connection? Is it simply that your body is so thrown off by this disease that it effects EVERYTHING? My doctors didn't seem to care or have much concern that my cycle has altered along with this.

[Nadtorious]

My period disappeared for almost 4 years while I was really sick, and came back as soon as I went gluten free (within a week!). My doctor actually used this to diagnose me first (before blood tests, endoscopy, and diet challenge). Now that I've been gluten free for close to 2 years, my period has finally kind of normalized-I can somewhat predict it and my cramps aren't as bad as they were pre-celiac days.

Nadia

[Racheleona]

Hi dbuhl79,

Being that I haven't had my period for almost 2 years now (which happened after I lost 30 pounds in 2 months, and had at first started losing weight intentionally due to only eating 500 cals/day, and then continued to lose without trying). After doing labs my doctor said that my hormones are now out of wack and are very low. This could be due to my dramatic weight loss, or due to malnutrition. I have been gluten-free for 2 months now, and still no period though.

Rachel

[LynnR]

My periods has always been very irregular. I also have Endometrosis. So when they completely stopped, I wasn't too concerned at first. I just thought it was due to Hormonal Imbalance.

When I went to see a new doctor this week, one of his questions was if I was getting my period. At the same time he was checking me for Anemia. He told me that when someone is really Anemic their periods will stop also because you don't have enough iron in your system to produce them.

[Guest ~wAvE WeT sAnD~]

Hi, Ladies!!

Before I went on the gluten-free diet, my periods were irregular, even in high school. After a month on the diet, I was consistent (this was before I started taking birth control pills).

--Stay healthy!!

ps. Lynn, how long have you been gluten-free?

[LynnR]

Jill,

I haven't been gluten-free for too long. Only about 2 weeks.

[stef-the-kicking-cuty]

Hi there,

before i went glutenfree i had really painful periods. Sometimes i couldn't do anything but lay in bed. And they were irregular too, but only sometimes. I'm glutenfree since July this year now and as soon as i started the next period in August was so nice. Oh, it was like heaven. No pain at all. I almost didn't even recognize it already started. The only thing that bugs me a little, is, that it's a little bit late each month. But at least it's late regualar now pretty much. Always around day 33 or 34.

Lots of greetings, Stef

[stef-the-kicking-cuty]

Oh and i forgot to tell. All periods since then were without pain at all.

Lots of greetings, Stef

[Guest ~wAvE WeT sAnD~]

Lynn--

Ok. Maybe in a couple of weeks, or whenever you normally start, you may notice a difference. I'm not an expert, I just speak from personal experience.

Keep everyone updated on your progress--this disease can be tough at times, but I know you'll make it!!! This board is extremely supportive

Sincerely,

[dbuhl79]

Thanks ladies! Ever since my symptoms have arose, I've noticed a change in cycle. Its a relief to discover others have too. Particularly since my doctors could care less!

[Guest Lindam]

Ever since I was diagnosed, my periods have been very weird. They were always 2-3 days tops, and some discomfort, but nothing Tylenol wouldn't handle. Now they can last up to 10 days, the cramping starts at least a week before it starts, all the PMS symptoms are there also for a week prior. My gyne is concerned that everything is changing. It has something to do with celiac disease being an autoimmune disease and our periods throw everything off. I would suggest talking to your gyne about it.

Good Luck!

Linda

[darlindeb25]

now when i think back--i am wondering if celiacs had anything to do with my cycles---i was quite regular, but had very heavy periods--i was afraid to leave home the 1st 3 days----but, as is true of many celiac women, i went through menopause early--i am 49 now and havent had a cycle now for 3 years and that's ok --my were bad enough--i deserve a break deb

[Rikki Tikki]

As I look back I can't help but wonder if the celiac was causing a lot of gynecological problems. I was always very irregular, couldn't get pregnant and took fertility drugs for over two years in order to get pregnant with my first two children. My periods were also very irregular and heavy and I had awful cramps since I was a teenager. It does make me wonder.........

By the way does anybody know how to spell check before I post??