Unsure About Gluten Intolerance

[Sharon818]

Hi,

I have never had a formal diagnosis of gluten intolerance but a naturopath suggested I eliminate gluten from my diet, so I have been gluten-free for about a year (with a few cross-contamination incidents at restaurants during that time). I hoped you could give me some input on whether or not you think gluten is actually the problem, because I am still having chronic health issues.

I still have hair loss and transient depression, social withdrawal, joint tension and cracking, irregular periods, acne and oily skin, bloating, hirsutism, anxiety, OCD-like behaviors, and a messed up circadian rhythm. I also get chest pains sometimes. I eat a variety of foods, mostly organic and fresh, and I work out (cardio) at least 5 times a week. I take vitamins, don't smoke and I try to stay around 4 alcoholic drinks per week. My weight is 113 lbs and my height is 5'6".

I have been suspected to have PCOS. I personally don't believe that PCOS occurs by itself in thin, active women--I suspect that there are yet undiscovered causes that interfere with insulin and hormones and that lifestyle choices are not necessarily to blame. Plus, I have tried low-carb diets and they are impossible to sustain over a long period of time. I believe that either heavy metal toxicity or gluten intolerance is the cause of my problems.

I have had various clinical tests done, all lipids are normal (except total cholesterol is low), some heavy metals were high in the hair, histamine is high, TSH is around 2.

What the heck does this sound like to you? Do you think gluten is the only problem--or even a problem at all?

[hathor]

Did eliminating gluten improve things at all? When you did have gluten, did you feel worse? I think this will tell you if you have a problem with gluten.

It is possible that you have other intolerances in addition to gluten. Casein and soy seem to be common ones. Others on this board react to nightshade veggies, legumes, corn, you name it.

If you really want confirmation that gluten is a problem, you could get tested with Enterolab. They can also test you for casein, soy, egg and dietary yeast at the same time.

Your symptoms, at least some of them, are consistent with a problem with casein and/or soy. You could always try eliminating these and see how you feel.

If I were in your shoes, I would also consider going on an elimination diet, like the one discussed here: Open Original Shared Link