Gluten and periods

[lakeside123]

Hi everyone, I am just looking to see if anyone has had a similar experience. I have a gluten intolerance, IBS and endometriosis. My last coeliac test was 5 years ago and came back clear. I have been gf on and off over that time. I had some wheat pasta four days ago, small portion because I craved it and my partner was having some. I had terrible cramps and diarrhoea ever since, muscle aches and no energy. Yesterday, I noticed I’m bleeding as if I am having a period. I’m on the mirena coil and I haven’t bled since September. Can gluten trigger a period? Otherwise I think it is probably just a coincidence? Has anyone ever experienced this?

Thank you

[Penel]

Hello lakeside123

With both endometriosis and IBS, eating gluten could cause cramps and the other symptoms you describe. I’ve not come across it triggering a period.

I wonder if you can check with your doctor about this?

Good luck with sorting this out.

[Researchfan]

Hi lakeside123.

I’m quite new to the forum. Your post intrigued me.

My experience relates to being gluten free because of gluten intolerant ibs and dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation. unconfirmed endo - I decided over 10years ago to use diet therapy instead of surgery.) I’ve been on a quest for over 10years to personally heal my periods. I’ve had success and setbacks along the way. There are many factors that can influence period health. I’ve done a lot of reading of scientific journals and research (I’m a scientist and nutritional research is my passion).

Recently I’ve been following a logic related to allergy.

In relation to your post. I came across some old gynaecology text that might intrigue you. Basically as soon as I read your post it sounded like I’d read something similar. I found the text and here’s the link from Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Published in 1935. obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.c...

Given your reaction to wheat pasta, Suspect allergy (likely delayed type hypersensitivity) to wheat/gluten?

🧐

[lakeside123 in reply to Researchfan]

That is really interesting, I am also a scientist (well, psychologist) so this really is of interest to me too. The article is obviously quite a few decades old now, I will have a look into this a little more, thanks

[Researchfan in reply to lakeside123]

I think it’s an interesting line of logic to look into. My thinking that knowledge can be gained from old medical knowledge that seems to be forgot because modern medicine seems to be more focused on treating symptoms rather than finding the root cause of the symptoms.Definitely get check up by dr though to be on safe side, as others posted. X

[Penel in reply to lakeside123]

Having checked on Pubmed, this study also links the effects of gluten on menstruation.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/244...

[Narwhal10]

Hi lakeside,It’s always worth getting things checked out as we are all different. But for me gluten was a trigger for my periods becoming erratic. I thought I was going through the menopause despite having the implant and not having periods for years. I had night sweats and was bleeding every 3 days then 8 days etc. I stopped eating gluten now have a regular period.

Hope you feel better soon.

[lakeside123 in reply to Narwhal10]

That’s really interesting, I also get night sweats but I am only 28 so haven’t put it down to menopause