Celiac's Can Cause Infertily And Low Testosterone.

[Guest TESTinME]

I found this study interesting because I am on HRT at an early age. Although my low testosterone levels could also be genetic as my dad's were very low also.

Infertility, obstetric and gynaecological problems in coeliac sprue.

Sher KS, Jayanthi V, Probert CS, Stewart CR, Mayberry JF.

Leicester General Hospital, UK.

There is now substantial evidence that coeliac sprue is associated with infertility both in men and women. In women it can also lead to delayed menarche, amenorrhoea, early menopause, recurrent abortions, and a reduced pregnancy rate. In men it can cause hypogonadism (low testosterone), immature secondary sex characteristics and reduce semen quality. The real mechanism by which coeliac sprue produces these changes is unclear, but factors such as malnutrition, iron, folate and zinc deficiencies have all been implicated. In addition in men gonadal dysfunction is believed to be due to reduced conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone caused by low levels of 5 alpha-reductase in coeliac sprue. This leads to derangement of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Hyperprolactinaemia is seen in 25% of coeliac patients, which causes impotence and loss of libido. Gluten withdrawal and correction of deficient dietary elements can lead to a return of fertility both in men and women.

[SadiesMomma]

Hi there,

I am a mother to one 2 year old child... I had her before I was diagnosed with Celiac. Once I became pregnant with her my Celiac came alive and was affecting me. I was able to get pregnant with her probably because the Celiac hadnt taken form yet and I was eating healthy....

..Now I am on a gluten-free diet but I have so many allergies that I am having troubles earing enough of everything to have a balanced diet. I dont take vitamins because I am so fobic about taking something that can hurt me. I dont know whats in everything so I dont know what to take and not take.

Anyway, long story short. My boyfriend and I want to have children together after we get married but I am freaked that we cant due to my problems. I already have reproductive issues such as Cervical Dysplasia, and ovarian cycsts... That alone can cause infertility. Does it seem likely that I will be able to carry a child after not being on gluten-free diet eventhough I am now.

[tarnalberry]

And here I was, a female with celiac and low testosterone, thinking that the article might talk about low testosterone in both genders, not just testosterone conversion! (Oh, wait, am I being bitter about the lack of attention given to various women's heath issues?!? ;-) (Seriously, I had a doctor tell me I couldn't have low levels because of my young age (my levels were below detectable), and the vast majority of articles on testosterone replacement are aimed at men.) )

[SadiesMomma]

Low testosterone levels in women? How do I get checked.

Are we as Celiacs able to take fertility treatment in order toget pregnant? Is there something about it that we are not able to withstand? I do not know anything about the subject. I am just seriously scared that my health issues wont allow me to have any more children besies my little Sadie.

Any suggestions?

[tammy]

I just had my testosterone blood serum levels checked and I am 38 years young! Besides the emotional upheaval and physical symptoms that can manifest, it is a subject worth looking into.

There are labs that do saliva testing and it might be worth your time to have your testosterone levels checked. ZRT is one lab that does saliva testing.

The real trick is finding supplemental testosterone. Low testosterone in women causes vaginal dryness and low libido.

I think that our combined insights, experiences and knowledge is noteworthy!

Keep on keeping on!

[tarnalberry]

I'm 25, and it was about three years ago that the doc didn't want to test me, even though I was probably low then as well. It's probably worth checking to see if saliva testing is as accurate as a blood test before having it done; I really don't remember.

I haven't had a problem finding supplemental testosterone, but I do have to have it made at a compounding pharmacy and shipped to me. The cream didn't do much for my levels, but the sublingual form (which avoids problems with it being metabolized by the liver) has worked very well for me. Pills and patches are alternatives as well, but have their risks.

Besides the low libido, low testosterone also caused me tiredness, muscle aches, lethargy, and a bit of depression.