Gluten Free Diet Tips: Women And Celiac Disease

Celiac Disease Targets Women And Reproductive Health

Even though the term 'celiac disease' is becoming more well-known, the disease itself is still seriously under-diagnosed. It is estimated at this time that almost 3 million people in America are affected by this genetically linked disease; and of those people, only about 5% are properly diagnosed.

Along with the under-diagnosis of celiac disease, another factor to consider is that, like other autoimmune diseases, more women than men are affected; in fact, 2 to 3 times more. For this reason, health issues specific to women need to be addressed.

Celiac disease is often misdiagnosed as other conditions women are familiar with will present in the same way; conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, anemia, irritable bowel syndrome, and hormonal imbalance.

Left undiagnosed and untreated, celiac disease can, and often does, lead to health complications such as thyroid malfunction, osteoporosis, infertility, menstrual irregularities, and cancer.

Even though the most recognized symptoms of celiac disease are related to digestion - abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, diarrhea - there are increasing instances of other health concerns and conditions unrelated to the digestive tract that can be attributed to celiac disease. Here is a list of some symptoms that could indicate a test for celiac disease is needed:

chronic fatigue
anemia
menstrual irregularities
early menopause
infertility
miscarriage or stillbirth
osteoporosis

When any of these conditions is unexplained, celiac disease should be investigated. As a matter of fact, in almost 10% of otherwise unexplained infertility, celiac disease is the reason.

Reproductive health is an important issue to all women, whether they are trying to conceive or not, or are menstruating or in menopause. If our body is not getting the proper nourishment from our food due to celiac disease, the health risks will escalate as years go by.

Thankfully, a blood test will tell you and your doctor the facts. And, if you do have celiac disease, the good news is it is a highly treatable disease. With the proper gluten-free diet, the small intestine will be repaired and your body will be returned to functioning at its nutritional best.

If you are exhibiting any of the typical symptoms of celiac disease AND you are also concerned with what's happening with your reproductive health, get your blood tested now. The road to recovery is one shared by many women, so please give your doctor a call today. You are not alone!