First Menstrual Period gluten-free, Feeling Aweful!

[possiblyglutensensitive]

I am almost 3 weeks gluten-free and I have experienced some returnong of symptoms when I got my period yesterday. Headache, nausea, and shoulder and neck pain (kinks in my neck). Of course being exhausted, cramps and depressed (very irritable and weepy, everything in life feels overwhleming) as usual.

This scares me.

Anyone relate?

[eatmeat4good]

Actually menstrual symptoms can worsen on going gluten free as the hormones are better able to do their job.

My menstrual migraines are waaaaay worse now that my body is working better.

I guess it is the surge of hormones returning.

I think it takes a few months at least for your body to adjust.

There is a blog on here about migraine headaches that was helpful to me.

[julandjo]

Actually menstrual symptoms can worsen on going gluten free as the hormones are better able to do their job.

My menstrual migraines are waaaaay worse now that my body is working better.

I guess it is the surge of hormones returning.

I think it takes a few months at least for your body to adjust.

There is a blog on here about migraine headaches that was helpful to me.

Ditto this, sadly.

[cassP]

I am almost 3 weeks gluten-free and I have experienced some returnong of symptoms when I got my period yesterday. Headache, nausea, and shoulder and neck pain (kinks in my neck). Of course being exhausted, cramps and depressed (very irritable and weepy, everything in life feels overwhleming) as usual.

This scares me.

Anyone relate?

my personal opinion is that our cycles are kind of "set in stone" like 1 or 2 months prior- so if you've only been gluten-free for 3 weeks- you may not have a better period untill maybe your 3rd period in. did that make sense??? because ive always read, and experienced- that any diet changes or exercise changes, etc... The Pill,... or alcohol, etc... it usually took a good 6-8 weeks to improve a period.

ive also read, it can take the liver 2 months to catch up to any lifestyle changes..

so, im thinking you just have to patient and stay dedicated on the diet- you will see changes eventually

[MelindaLee]

My first two periods after going gluten-free were awful...like being a teenager again. It has settled down now even though it's only been 5 months. Hopefully yours will get better too!

[MariaOfColumbia]

Some feminine hygiene products have wheat based absorbants in them. Pads have always given me trouble, causing intense soreness wherever the pad touches me, and I have to use homemade papertowel pads at night just to give my body a break. This past period, I used the papertowel pads during the day too on the last day, since is was a weekend and I was staying home, and the soreness completely disappeared that day.

So, I've ordered some organic cotton pads for my next period. I think my difficulty with the pads was a gluten issue, and I hope the new pads will make my next period easier.

[Cypressmyst]

At 7 months gluten-free my cramps went away completely. I think it will get better. Healing often hurts.

[ladymiss]

I've only been gluten free a few weeks- and my recent period was awful. Just wanted to say thanks for starting this thread. It's been enlightening.

[possiblyglutensensitive]

Thanks to everyone.

I was very very depressed yesterday and the day before (first 2 days of menstrual period).

Still have a kink in my neck and woke up with a headache.

I was so amazed on how fast the neck and shoulder pain had gotten better... it is scary to go downhill.

I will hang in there.

I am concerned about the "gluten in pads" thing.....

is there really gluten in pads or tampons??? Is this an issue with many people?

[MelindaLee]

I can't say I have checked into if my pads contain gluten...but I haven't had any issues with them. I suppose if someone is VERY sensitive it could cause issues...if there is gluten in them. It never ceases to amaze me where there is gluten...I just can't imagine why they would need it in pads...

[bridgetm]

I agree with Melinda: my first few months gluten-free were like my first few periods ever. I've been gluten-free since April 2010 (wow, ten months already?!?... or should I say, "Only ten months?!?"). Anyway... My periods have gotten less painful, but I start getting cramps at least a week before (pre-gluten-free, I never got them until the day of) but they're not too severe. Also, I have to cut back to my simple recovery diet about a week before (I posted a few weeks ago about what happens if I don't)-- rice, bread, low-fructose fruits-- until my period ends.

Actually, it's probably about time to start that...

Hang in there!!

P.S. I never even thought to check fem products for gluten But I've made it this long, so apparently it's not a problem for me.

[dilettantesteph]

It seems to me that having your period intensifies glutening effects. Even after more than 3 years, if I have any gluten contamination my PMS like symptoms are terrible, but if I am nicely gluten free, I don't even know it's coming.

[Takala]

Yes, some brands of liners and pads can contain gluten, and for some of us with super sensitive skin, ....

Try the rub on progesterone otc cream for the bad periods, which counterbalances high estrogen. That and calcium and magnesium supplements.

[elk]

ditto the progesterone cream, which helped me immensely with PMS symptoms (just be sure not to over use it). I used to start pms'ing 2 weeks out and unless I take too much, then I'm good right up until day 1. If I do get cramps, they're minimal and bearable. Get a quality brand with minimal ingredients. I use Oasis Serene.

[cassP]

i bought some progesterone cream- but not sure when i'll start taking it, cause of thyroid meds, and i MAY go on Orthocyclen soon..

QUESTION- have any of you used the progesterone cream for fibrocystic breasts? and did it alleviate it?

[Holly1137]

I've been gluten free since The beginning of January. Got my period twice in December, and should be getting another now- have all the symptoms (slight cramps, headache, and emotional/moody) and my breasts are REALLY sore. That normally happens, but it seems worse now. I'm 23 today, and took a preg test (neg), and still no period! Did this happen with anyone?

[mushroom]

There is some relationship between menstrujal cycles and gluten, although usually in the opposite direction. Most posters report a normalization of menstrual cycles, less severe menstruation, and improved fertility on a gluten free diet.

[Cinnamongirl]

ditto the progesterone cream, which helped me immensely with PMS symptoms (just be sure not to over use it). I used to start pms'ing 2 weeks out and unless I take too much, then I'm good right up until day 1. If I do get cramps, they're minimal and bearable. Get a quality brand with minimal ingredients. I use Oasis Serene.

Thanks for the tip on progesterone cream. When I was young I never had PMS, but now it is terrible. I had my hormones tested (estrogen, progesterone) at day 19, and though both were in the normal range, the ratio was significantly off. I've been meaning to try progesterone cream, but with everything else in my life, I haven't gotten around to researching it. I'll skip comparing brands, etc and just give Oasis Serene a try.

[Stacy hated pancake Sunday]

I have been gluten-free for a year now an my periods have become heavier and recently lengthened from 5 days to 6 days..with 3 days being especially bad instead of just 1(joy!)..I just assumed it was an aging thing(turning 39 next month. I have not been able to use tampons for years...instant migraine, pains in my arms and chest ...can't use the new 'plasticky' sanitary pads which cause the very bad and painful reaction like my reaction to latex. Thanks for the info everybody!

[Cypressmyst]

Check into Magnesium and other deficiencies, I'm betting there is a link between the body bleeding out all these nutrients and making a new lining and headaches etc... Might be as simple as adding some almonds to your day.

[possiblyglutensensitive]

Check into Magnesium and other deficiencies, I'm betting there is a link between the body bleeding out all these nutrients and making a new lining and headaches etc... Might be as simple as adding some almonds to your day.

Interesting, up until a few weeks ago I was craving almonds almost constantly and eating easily a half cup a day.

The doctor said I was low in iron (though not anemic), so that could explain the incredicble fatigue I have during, and the week after my period. (still tired all the time, it is just worst during those times).

Aside from that all my tests were normal including negative for anti gliadin and tTG.

[Cypressmyst]

See your body knows what it needs.

Unfortunately the tests are not accurate or as sensitive as they need to be right now. Not even the gliadin test. The best and most accurate test is to try the diet for a month or three and see how you feel.

And do enjoy the almonds along the way.

[tinkity]

I am just shy of 2 months gluten free. I started my period yesterday and starting the night before I felt just yucky... all through the day yesterday too. I am not officially diagnosed... just iffy results and the recomendation that I try the diet (it seems to be working beautifully!). I was queasy and my digestion was all messed up. I got a bit anxious and thought maybe everything was coming back- until my period started! I'm back to normal now and glad for it.

[Lalama]

The site below may be helpful. In addition to being gluten free, dairy free (and mostly refined sugar free) I try to adhere to this diet at least 5-7 before my period. I don't have endometriosis but extremely painful cramps if I don't eat right. It definitly seems to helps...

Open Original Shared Link

[Bella001]

It seems to me that having your period intensifies glutening effects. Even after more than 3 years, if I have any gluten contamination my PMS like symptoms are terrible, but if I am nicely gluten free, I don't even know it's coming.

Same thing with me...my PMS is out of control if I got glutened the weeks leading up to it. My period is pretty bad if I get glutened as well. Much worse than normal.