Questions

[kmall]

I have been gluten free for only 2 weeks.

I decided to try the diet because I have endometriosis. I saw some women were having less pain and other symptoms by going gluten free.

Yesterday I had a cheat day. It was a friends birthday lunch so I let myself just eat what I wanted.

About an hour after lunch I started having stomach cramps. Nothing major just slightly uncomfortable but last night I was up all night with a major runny nose. I am sure it is just a coincidence but I wanted to get some feedback. Could it be possible that the gluten was the cause of the cramps and sinus issues?

[benXX]

....

Yesterday I had a cheat day... Could it be possible that the gluten was the cause of the cramps and sinus issues?

Have you any doubt that on a celiac forum you will get other than affirmative answer?

But, not doing the obvious, here is my reply:

If you haven't been diagnosed as celiac, there is no way to know if gluten is or isn't of any influence on your health.

And of course, it is the lack of diagnosis that allows you to "cheat", pointing out how important it is to get tested. Those of us diagnosed celiac positive don't even consider "cheating". It's all very black and white.

But with endometriosis it seems to be unclear whether gluten or other parts of wheat might be of influence. If you feel better without wheat and feel bad with - there is not really much to consider... stay away from it, I'd say. That is wheat, not just gluten.

Sorry, somehow my post comes across a bit harsh, not intended though.

[Cara in Boston]

Keep in mind too, if you are sensitive to gluten, your symptoms can change - and usually get more severe - after you have been gluten free.

I had tons of symptoms that all went away when I went gluten free. Now if I accidently consume gluten, they all come back (worse then before) with the addition of severe joint pain - a symptom I never had before.

I've heard of people learning they are intolerant only after going gluten free (to show support to a celiac family member) and then eating gluten several weeks later - they suddenly have a response - and it is negative.

Cara

[MitziG]

Gluten intolerance can definitely play a role in endometriosis. I advise you to immediately start eating gluten again and get a full panel of celiac tests done. Then, regardless of results, try the diet. If you are alreacdy gluten free for any length of time it will cause a false negative test result. It is important to know if you are dealing with celiac disease or gluten intolerancce. If it is celiac, cheating isn't an option, ever, for the rest of your life. Gluten intolerance can vary in severity and some people are able to eat small amounts of gluten without ill effect. Snoop around this site, you can learn a lot.

[kmall]

Thanks guys. I have been doing a lot of research today and I do think I am intolerant. I am slightly anemic and have very low blood pressure. I also have fatigue issues. My doctor tested me back in the fall for several different things. I was told to up the salt in my diet and to take an iron supplement. Gluten issues never came up but I am thinking of making an appointment to see if gluten may be the issue. Thanks Again.