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Showing results for tags 'female'.
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Celiac.com 04/01/2024 - Recent research has shed light on a concerning correlation between celiac disease and various reproductive disorders in women, emphasizing the importance of awareness and proactive healthcare measures for individuals living with this autoimmune condition. According to a study presented at the 2023 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology by lead researcher Rama Nanah, MD, patients with celiac disease face significantly elevated risks for several female reproductive disorders compared to those without the condition. The study, drawing from the comprehensive TriNetX database, revealed that women with celiac disease have a two times higher risk for endometriosis, three times higher risk for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and six times higher risk for ovarian dysfunction. The association between celiac disease and female reproductive disorders has been noted in previous studies, but the latest findings add new dimensions to our understanding. Notably, the study uncovered increased rates of PCOS and endometriosis among women with celiac disease, highlighting the urgent need for further investigation into these connections. A Range of Reproductive Health Abnormalities Associated with Celiac Disease The retrospective analysis, which included over 9,000 women with celiac disease and more than 25 million healthy controls, revealed a range of reproductive health abnormalities associated with celiac disease across different age groups. These include menstrual irregularities, delayed menarche, infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and pain associated with menstruation. Despite the compelling data, the exact mechanism underlying the association between celiac disease and reproductive disorders remains unclear. Dr. Nanah emphasized that the study did not establish causality, nor did it provide insights into whether adherence to a gluten-free diet could mitigate reproductive risks. While the study underscores the importance of considering undiagnosed celiac disease in women with gynecologic disorders, it also highlights the need for prospective studies to validate these findings and explore potential screening and risk reduction strategies. Benjamin Lebwohl, MD, MS, director of clinical research at the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, stressed the importance of future research to further elucidate these associations and inform evidence-based healthcare practices. For individuals living with celiac disease, the study underscores the importance of comprehensive healthcare management that includes regular screenings and discussions about reproductive health. By raising awareness and advancing research in this area, healthcare professionals can better support the unique needs of women with celiac disease, ultimately improving their overall quality of life and well-being. Read more at Gastroendonews.com
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Celiac.com 02/26/2024 - A recent study, conducted by researchers Bodil Roth and Bodil Ohlsson, sheds light on the association between celiac disease and microscopic colitis, providing valuable insights into the clinical course, and subtypes of the disease in a female population. Microscopic colitis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the colon, and has long been linked to autoimmune conditions, smoking, and certain medications. Their study aimed to investigate this connection, considering various subtypes of microscopic colitis and their clinical presentations. The research, which involved 240 women aged 73 years or older diagnosed with microscopic colitis, revealed intriguing findings. Out of the 158 women who agreed to participate, half experienced the simultaneous onset of microscopic colitis and celiac disease. Notably, celiac disease was most prevalent in patients with lymphocytic colitis, with a significantly higher incidence compared to other subtypes of microscopic colitis. Analysis of blood samples also revealed the presence of anti-transglutaminase antibodies, a marker for celiac disease, in some participants with one episode of microscopic colitis. Moreover, corticosteroid use was more common in patients with collagenous colitis and refractory microscopic colitis, highlighting the diverse clinical manifestations of the disease. The study also explored the impact of smoking habits on the prevalence of microscopic colitis and associated symptoms. Past smokers showed a higher prevalence of one-episode microscopic colitis, while current smoking was associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms. Significant Association Found Between Celiac Disease and Lymphocytic Colitis Upon adjusting for smoking habits, the researchers found a significant association between celiac disease and lymphocytic colitis, suggesting a potential link between these conditions. However, further research is needed to elucidate the nature of this relationship and whether lymphocytic colitis in conjunction with celiac disease should be classified as a distinct entity or a variant of celiac disease. These findings underscore the complex interplay between autoimmune conditions and gastrointestinal disorders, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation and tailored management approaches. As researchers continue to unravel the intricacies of these diseases, advancements in diagnosis and treatment hold promise for improving the lives of individuals affected by celiac disease and microscopic colitis. Read more in BMC Gastroenterology volume 24, Article number: 70 (2024)
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Celiac.com 05/16/2011 - Nearly 75% of the 24 million Americans suffering from autoimmune disease are women, according to the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA). Women appear to mount larger inflammatory responses than men when their immune systems are triggered, thereby increasing their risk of autoimmunity. The fact that sex hormones are involved is indicated by the fact that many autoimmune diseases fluctuate with hormonal changes such as those that occur during pregnancy, during the menstrual cycle, or when using oral contraceptives. A history of pregnancy also appears to increase the risk for autoimmune disease. The sex hormone that is commonly low in such women is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This is a natural steroid and is produced by the adrenal glands, the reproductive organs and the brain. DHEA is used by the body to make the male and female hormones, testosterone and estrogen respectively, and is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. It has been proposed that a DHEA deficiency is a contributing factor in autoimmune diseases. Last year a study was done to look at precisely that effect. The study’s conclusions have been supported by other, similar research and I think you’ll find it quite interesting. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 94, No. 6 2044-2051(2009) published an article entitled “Low Serum Levels of Sex Steroids Are Associated with Disease Characteristics in Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome; Supplementation with Dehydroepiandrosterone Restores the Concentrations”. The authors investigated whether there was a relationship between steroid levels and the disease characteristics of Sjogren’s. They based their study on the known data that DHEA not only declines with aging but is reduced in Sjogren’s, an autoimmune disease. The study was populated by 23 post-menopausal women with primary Sjogren’s syndrome and subnormal levels of DHEA. The investigation was a controlled, double blind crossover study, conducted over a 9 month period, where DHEA was assessed by sophisticated laboratory measurements and typical symptoms of Sjogren’s such as dry mouth and eyes and salivary flow rates were similarly assessed. Results revealed a strong correlation between low DHEA and Sjogren’s symptoms. DHEA and its sex hormone metabolites (testosterone and estrogen) were found to increase with DHEA supplementation but not with the placebo. Symptoms such as dry eyes were seen to improve as estrogen levels The researchers concluded that the disease manifestations of primary Sjogren’s syndrome were associated with low sex hormone levels and the supplementation of DHEA allowed the body to transform into androgens, testosterone and estrogen, with testosterone production predominating. Please allow me to add some personal interpretation. For the most part I agree with the premise and applaud the results. The facts that autoimmune disease occurs more often in women, that women frequently have low DHEA, and that androgens have anti-inflammatory effects that can benefit autoimmune disease are all true. But should we simply give such women DHEA and call it a day? I don’t think so. I propose that we do three things: First, evaluate hormonal levels in women regularly; Second, address WHY their hormonal levels are imbalanced; And third, when supplementing with hormones such as DHEA, ensure that the delivery system is one that mimics what the body does naturally. Remember that autoimmune disease can begin many years before the first symptoms become manifest. Therefore evaluating hormonal levels in our younger women is a good idea. When I find DHEA levels that are low, my first order of business is to assess why. Frequently it is due to a phenomenon known as “pregnenelone steal” that occurs when the adrenal glands are under stress. It is a common occurrence and one of the fantastic abilities of the human body to shift from one pathway to another when under stress. The “steal” pathway diverts the body away from making sex hormones and instead it makes more “stress” hormones. So while adding some DHEA into the mix might very well help, does it make sense to find out WHY it’s being diverted away from making sex hormones? I hope so because it’s the very foundation of the medicine that we practice—functional medicine. Once you understand the root cause of the deficiency you can take steps to truly remedy it rather than simply covering it up by taking DHEA. Not to keep hitting you over the head with this concept, but supplementing with DHEA as your sole treatment misses the underlying cause since the body is designed to make adequate quantities of DHEA. A common reason for the diversion or “steal” pathway to become activated is adrenal stress from poor absorption of nutrients, unstable blood sugar and the presence of infections—all problems we see with the gluten intolerant patient! While I’m not implying that every autoimmune patient has a gluten intolerance, it certainly warrants screening all of them because of its high prevalence. As we travel down the road to optimal health through avoiding any food the body isn’t tolerating well, improving the integrity of the small intestine and normalizing adrenal function, there are certainly times when hormonal supplementation is beneficial. I don’t recommend the oral route because the first place the hormone travels is to the liver and this can be burdensome to that organ. When the body makes hormones naturally it delivers them straight to the bloodstream. In an effort to mimic that delivery system we use a buccal route (placed between cheek and gum in the mouth) that does a good job in bringing the hormone directly to the bloodstream and bypassing the liver and digestive tract. Autoimmune diseases comprise the third leading cause of death in our country and research strongly suggests that its rapid increase is due to environmental factors, especially those that weaken the small intestine. I am committed to earlier diagnosis while the disease is still remediable, as well as overall reduction of incidence through addressing digestive health. I hope you find this informative. Please share this information with those who have autoimmune disease themselves as well as in their family.
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Celiac.com 11/05/2012 - Over the last 40 years, studies have shown higher rates of menstrual abnormalities and pregnancy complications among women with celiac disease. However, the data from these studies have been inconsistent, and inconclusive regarding the actual effects of celiac disease on female fertility. To get a better picture of the relationship between celiac disease and female fertility and pregnancy, researchers recently conducted a more comprehensive study. The research team was led by Stephanie M. Moleski, MD, of Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia. Dr. Moleski presented an abstract of the study data at the American College of Gastroenterology Annual Meeting 2012. In the abstract, she points out that women with biopsy-proven celiac disease had significantly higher rates of fertility and pregnancy complications and gave birth to less children than those without the disease. Because it is an abstract, the study data and conclusions should be regarded as preliminary until they appear in a peer-reviewed journal, where they can be given a fuller context and be more widely scrutinized. For their study, Dr. Moleski and her colleagues recruited patients treated for celiac disease at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, as well as members of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and the Gluten Intolerance Group, to respond in an anonymous Internet-based survey about fertility and pregnancy. Women without celiac disease also completed the survey and served as a control group. The survey included questions about celiac diagnosis and history, menstrual history, fertility, spontaneous abortions, and pregnancy outcomes. Approximately 1,000 women who completed the survey. Of those, 473 had physician-diagnosed celiac disease, while 298 women had the been confirmed for celiac via small-bowel biopsy. The researchers used the group with biopsy-proven disease to compare against 560 women without celiac disease. The data showed that 41.2% of women with celiac disease had increased difficulty conceiving compared with 36.5% of control subjects (P=0.03). Women with celiac disease also had more consultations with fertility specialists and higher rates of spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, and cesarean section, compared with control subjects. Additionally, women with celiac disease were shown to have a shorter duration of fertility, to have a later onset of menarche and be younger when they experienced menopause, said Dr. Moleski. The data also revealed important differences between women with and without celiac disease. In all, 22.4% of women with celiac disease had consulted with fertility specialists, compared with 19% of those without (P=0.04). Also, 43.3% of celiacs had a history of spontaneous abortion, compared with 36.6% of non-celiacs (P=0.02). Compared with the control group of non-celiacs, women with celiac disease also had higher rates of cesarean delivery, 26.4% versus 23.8% of non-celiac women. Lastly, rates of preterm delivery were 23.2% for celiac women, and 14% for those without celiac disease (P=0.007), while the group with celiac disease was was also slightly older at the onset of their first period (12.7 versus 12.4 years, P=0.01). Among women reporting a history of spontaneous abortion, more than 80% of miscarriages occurred prior to diagnosis of celiac disease, said Dr. Moleski. She concluded that the retrospective analysis done by her team shows a clear relationship between celiac disease, fertility, and pregnancy outcomes, and suggests that the results demonstrate "a need for increased awareness of this association among patients and physicians." Sources: Medpagetoday.com American College of Gastroenterology, 2012; Moleski SM, et al "Infertility and pregnancy outcomes in celiac disease" ACG 2012; Abstract 15.
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