Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Women – 9 Signs or Symptoms

We are looking at the 9 Signs or Symptoms of Celiac Disease in women. Before that let us briefly look at what is Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease is an intestinal condition triggered by an irregular gluten response. Gluten is a substance commonly found in wheat, barley, triticale, rice and rye foods. Patients suffering from Celiac Disease can experience damage to the small intestine, which contributes to many other complications. According to the latest research more women are diagnosed with Celiac Disease than men in America, hence we are exploring the symptoms of Celiac Disease in women.

The research done by Beyond Celiac.org, revealed that 60% to 70% of those diagnosed with celiac disease are women. While as far as Asian statistics are concerned, the numbers are still unidentified. According to PubMed, few population-based studies from Asia have reported a prevalence of Celiac Disease from 0.1% to 1.3%, the exact prevalence of the Celiac Disease in Asia is not known. There is a need for population-based prevalence studies in many Asian countries to properly estimate the burden of Celiac Disease in Asia. You can read about the research by Beyond Celiac here.

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Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Women

Different individuals experience various signs of the disease. Although common symptoms of Celiac Disease in women include abdominal bloating, ventral pain, chronic fatigue, and swollen belly, there is an increasing prevalence of Celiac Disease in women who experience:

1. Iron deficiency (anemia)
2. Miscarriage
3. Stillbirth
4. Menstrual irregularities
5. Unexplained infertility
6. Delayed menarche
7. Early menopause
8. Chronic inflammation
9. Muscle cramps

You can click here for the What is Celiac Disease: Types, Causes and Diagnosis.

1. Iron deficiency (anemia)

People with Celiac Disease develop anemia from iron deficiency since they don’t consume sufficient iron from their diet. That is because consuming gluten-containing products in Celiac Disease allows the body to damage the surface of the small intestine, adversely affecting the nutrient processing abilities of the human body (which includes iron). Iron deficiency can further trigger extreme fatigue, chest pain, dizziness and heart problems. Once these problems start, they can be alarming until the very end of your life.

2. Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the spontaneous or unplanned removal of an embryo from the womb before it can exist independently. During pregnancy, folate and iron needs can rise, so underlying Celiac Disease may worsen the associated anemia. It can cause insufficient oxygen-carrying capacity in the blood, which leads to pregnancy complications. Folate deficiency is well documented to be linked with neural tube damage and even accidental abortion.

3. Stillbirths

Read moreWhat is Celiac Disease: Types, Causes and Diagnosis

Apart from miscarriages, women suffering from Celiac Disease also have an increased risk of stillbirths. The difference between a stillbirth and miscarriage is that it comes after almost 20 weeks of pregnancy. The baby is affected by an autoimmune response against gluten, resulting in a negative outcome. Also, women with undiagnosed Celiac Disease have more chances of stillbirths and other complications related to it, as compared to those who have identified it. Besides, psychological disorders may develop due to the attachment of the mother with her stillborn baby.

4. Menstrual irregularities

Another important symptom of Celiac Disease in women is irregular periods. Undiagnosed Celiac Disease can certainly cause the body to skip one or more periods. According to physicians, this condition is called amenorrhoea, which can damage the monthly cycle without any excuse such as pregnancy or menopause. It makes the situation very dangerous as break-through bleeding, extreme stress, disturbed skin and body imbalance are harmful outcomes of menstrual irregularities. They can also cause irregular sleep patterns.

5. Unexplained infertility

Period issues also include other complications such as infrequent, light periods, strange spotting instead of periods, and extremely heavy or painful menstruation. Although light periods sound great as they mean fewer cramps and abdominal pain, but under this apparent relief, they cause extreme harm to the body’s inner mechanism. Infertility is most likely to happen in such cases as nutrients cannot be absorbed in your food and body because of malnutrition. Infertility if occurs once, may not be healed.

6. Delayed menarche

Celiac Disease can also lead young women to get a longer than usual first cycle. This medical condition is known as delayed menarche. It relates to the situation when the first menstrual bleeding at puberty doesn’t begin by the age of 15. This can be a life-long problem, badly affecting a teenager’s body in the form of ovulation problems, thyroid disorder, unbalanced body fat, and pituitary adenoma. Delayed menarche is sometimes also referred to as primary amenorrhoea.

7. Menopause

Menopause is defined as the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycle. Normally, it is reported after you have been without a menstrual period for 12 months. It is a natural biological process and may begin the age of 40 or 50, but a sudden end of periods can be caused by Celiac Disease as it is another one of the harmful symptoms of Celiac Disease in women. This may further lead to vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, memory changes, urinary incontinence and a sudden increase in weight.

8. Chronic Inflammation

In reality, inflammation is an essential part of the natural healing process for the body. However, combined with Celiac Disease, it can turn out in destruction. In a healthy person, inflammation is an indication that the body has sent its first level of protection. But, in case of Celiac Disease, those cells are functioning against healthy cells, tissues and organs in a person. If not treated, with time, it can lead to DNA damage, tissue death and internal scarring. It can also lead to cancer if remain unattended for a longer time.

9. Muscle Cramps

Read moreCeliac Disease Risk factors: Complications

For those suffering from Celiac Disease, other factors can contribute to muscle cramps. This includes magnesium, calcium and other essential nutrient deficiencies. Physicians and doctors occasionally link the disease to cramps in the legs. This condition is typically greatest during the night and may appear both in the head, feet, shoulders, back and legs. Such cramps can be very uncomfortable although they may last only a few seconds. Stretching may alleviate the pain for the time being but harmful consequences can occur for a long time. Another thing to remember is that muscle cramps are also found in men and children, yet they are high in women.

Common Symptoms For Adults And Kids

You can read all about the Common Symptoms for Celiac Disease in the article “Symptoms of Celiac Disease“. More symptoms are explained and Types of Celiac Disease.

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Treatment

The only known treatment for the Celiac Disease is by eliminating traces of gluten from your daily diet. Your small intestine can start healing the day your diet removes gluten. Since the causes are still unknown, the only treatment left is to remove all gluten-containing products from your life. Following this diet can avoid discomfort for most patients. It can heal chronic bowel injury and minimize further harm. You can read more about it here “What to eat when Celiac Disease”. Improvements in health become visible within weeks of starting the appropriate diet. Your body has the capability to heal itself when given the correct Vitamins, Minerals and nutrients. You can read further on the article “Can the Human Body Heal Itself”. A Celiac patient people relay heavily in the body’s capability to heal itself. It is very much important to give your body the right food, so that it can generate all that it needs to start the process of healing itself. There is great variety of food you can find that is gluten-free:

•  Food, Health and You – the nutritional truth behind the simple lifestyle changes that you can make, starting today
• Keto Breads – Great News! You Do NOT Have to Give Up Your Favorite Bread, Sandwiches & Pizza to Follow a 100% Paleo or Ketogenic and Gluten-Free Diet.
• The Blended Bites – Discover The Secret To Eating Tasty Snacks And STILL Eat Healthy.

Mystery of Celiac Disease

Although the main causes behind Celiac Disease are still a mystery, certain risk factors that can contribute to the Celiac Disease. It tends to be more common in women who have any family member suffering from Celiac Disease, that is by inheritance. Also, those who experience Down syndrome or Turner syndrome, also have chances of getting caught by Celiac Disease.

It is important to consult your doctor if you experience any of the symptom described above. Untreated or unattended Celiac Disease can lead to many adverse and harmful effects, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, lactose intolerance, infertility, nervous system problems, and bone weakening. It can even cause cancer if not paid attention. Therefore, it is highly important to diagnose and treat before it could cause further destruction.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with enough information about symptoms of Celiac Disease in women. Stay focused on the gluten-free diet and be healthy!