The Impact of Celiac Disease on the Menstrual Cycle

Again, research suggests that menstrual issues that accompany symptoms associated with malabsorption may indicate celiac disease. In regard to heavy cramping, for example, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have published a study of women who experience severe cramping for two days straight. The subjects reported the pain as being so severe that they either passed out or experience nausea and/or vomiting. The ACOG asserts that cramps of this nature are brought on by an overload of prostaglandins, the hormones that are responsible for uterine contractions. As previously mentioned, the impact on the pituitary gland could be a part of this phenomenon.

Although more research is needed to determine if there’s a definite link between celiac disease and painful cramping, there has been a case study that shows that women who have suffered from these symptoms found relief after following a strict gluten-free diet. So, studying this possible link would be worth pursuing since many people who have celiac disease go undiagnosed until more serious health problems arise.