Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×

  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.



  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

First Menstrual Period gluten-free, Feeling Aweful!

possiblyglutensensitive

Recommended Posts

possiblyglutensensitive Explorer
possiblyglutensensitive
Posted

I am almost 3 weeks gluten-free and I have experienced some returnong of symptoms when I got my period yesterday. Headache, nausea, and shoulder and neck pain (kinks in my neck). Of course being exhausted, cramps and depressed (very irritable and weepy, everything in life feels overwhleming) as usual.

This scares me.

Anyone relate?

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


eatmeat4good Enthusiast
eatmeat4good
Posted

Actually menstrual symptoms can worsen on going gluten free as the hormones are better able to do their job.

My menstrual migraines are waaaaay worse now that my body is working better.

I guess it is the surge of hormones returning.

I think it takes a few months at least for your body to adjust.

There is a blog on here about migraine headaches that was helpful to me.

julandjo Explorer
julandjo
Posted

Actually menstrual symptoms can worsen on going gluten free as the hormones are better able to do their job.

My menstrual migraines are waaaaay worse now that my body is working better.

I guess it is the surge of hormones returning.

I think it takes a few months at least for your body to adjust.

There is a blog on here about migraine headaches that was helpful to me.

Ditto this, sadly. :)

cassP Contributor
cassP
Posted

I am almost 3 weeks gluten-free and I have experienced some returnong of symptoms when I got my period yesterday. Headache, nausea, and shoulder and neck pain (kinks in my neck). Of course being exhausted, cramps and depressed (very irritable and weepy, everything in life feels overwhleming) as usual.

This scares me.

Anyone relate?

my personal opinion is that our cycles are kind of "set in stone" like 1 or 2 months prior- so if you've only been gluten-free for 3 weeks- you may not have a better period untill maybe your 3rd period in. did that make sense??? because ive always read, and experienced- that any diet changes or exercise changes, etc... The Pill,... or alcohol, etc... it usually took a good 6-8 weeks to improve a period.

ive also read, it can take the liver 2 months to catch up to any lifestyle changes..

so, im thinking you just have to patient and stay dedicated on the diet- you will see changes eventually

MelindaLee Contributor
MelindaLee
Posted

My first two periods after going gluten-free were awful...like being a teenager again. It has settled down now even though it's only been 5 months. Hopefully yours will get better too!

MariaOfColumbia Rookie
MariaOfColumbia
Posted

Some feminine hygiene products have wheat based absorbants in them. Pads have always given me trouble, causing intense soreness wherever the pad touches me, and I have to use homemade papertowel pads at night just to give my body a break. This past period, I used the papertowel pads during the day too on the last day, since is was a weekend and I was staying home, and the soreness completely disappeared that day.

So, I've ordered some organic cotton pads for my next period. I think my difficulty with the pads was a gluten issue, and I hope the new pads will make my next period easier.

Cypressmyst Explorer
Cypressmyst
Posted

At 7 months gluten-free my cramps went away completely. I think it will get better. :) Healing often hurts.

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):

Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):


ladymiss Rookie
ladymiss
Posted

I've only been gluten free a few weeks- and my recent period was awful. Just wanted to say thanks for starting this thread. It's been enlightening.

possiblyglutensensitive Explorer
possiblyglutensensitive
Posted
  • Author

Thanks to everyone.

I was very very depressed yesterday and the day before (first 2 days of menstrual period).

Still have a kink in my neck and woke up with a headache.

I was so amazed on how fast the neck and shoulder pain had gotten better... it is scary to go downhill.

I will hang in there.

I am concerned about the "gluten in pads" thing.....

is there really gluten in pads or tampons??? Is this an issue with many people?

MelindaLee Contributor
MelindaLee
Posted

I can't say I have checked into if my pads contain gluten...but I haven't had any issues with them. I suppose if someone is VERY sensitive it could cause issues...if there is gluten in them. It never ceases to amaze me where there is gluten...I just can't imagine why they would need it in pads... :blink:

bridgetm Enthusiast
bridgetm
Posted

I agree with Melinda: my first few months gluten-free were like my first few periods ever. I've been gluten-free since April 2010 (wow, ten months already?!?... or should I say, "Only ten months?!?"). Anyway... My periods have gotten less painful, but I start getting cramps at least a week before (pre-gluten-free, I never got them until the day of) but they're not too severe. Also, I have to cut back to my simple recovery diet about a week before (I posted a few weeks ago about what happens if I don't)-- rice, bread, low-fructose fruits-- until my period ends.

Actually, it's probably about time to start that...

Hang in there!!

P.S. I never even thought to check fem products for gluten :unsure: But I've made it this long, so apparently it's not a problem for me.

dilettantesteph Collaborator
dilettantesteph
Posted

It seems to me that having your period intensifies glutening effects. Even after more than 3 years, if I have any gluten contamination my PMS like symptoms are terrible, but if I am nicely gluten free, I don't even know it's coming.

Takala Enthusiast
Takala
Posted

Yes, some brands of liners and pads can contain gluten, and for some of us with super sensitive skin, .... :angry::ph34r:

Try the rub on progesterone otc cream for the bad periods, which counterbalances high estrogen. That and calcium and magnesium supplements.

elk Rookie
elk
Posted

ditto the progesterone cream, which helped me immensely with PMS symptoms (just be sure not to over use it). I used to start pms'ing 2 weeks out and unless I take too much, then I'm good right up until day 1. If I do get cramps, they're minimal and bearable. Get a quality brand with minimal ingredients. I use Oasis Serene.

cassP Contributor
cassP
Posted

i bought some progesterone cream- but not sure when i'll start taking it, cause of thyroid meds, and i MAY go on Orthocyclen soon..

QUESTION- have any of you used the progesterone cream for fibrocystic breasts? and did it alleviate it?

Holly1137 Newbie
Holly1137
Posted

I've been gluten free since The beginning of January. Got my period twice in December, and should be getting another now- have all the symptoms (slight cramps, headache, and emotional/moody) and my breasts are REALLY sore. That normally happens, but it seems worse now. I'm 23 today, and took a preg test (neg), and still no period! Did this happen with anyone?

mushroom Proficient
mushroom
Posted

There is some relationship between menstrujal cycles and gluten, although usually in the opposite direction. Most posters report a normalization of menstrual cycles, less severe menstruation, and improved fertility on a gluten free diet.

Cinnamongirl Rookie
Cinnamongirl
Posted

ditto the progesterone cream, which helped me immensely with PMS symptoms (just be sure not to over use it). I used to start pms'ing 2 weeks out and unless I take too much, then I'm good right up until day 1. If I do get cramps, they're minimal and bearable. Get a quality brand with minimal ingredients. I use Oasis Serene.

Thanks for the tip on progesterone cream. When I was young I never had PMS, but now it is terrible. I had my hormones tested (estrogen, progesterone) at day 19, and though both were in the normal range, the ratio was significantly off. I've been meaning to try progesterone cream, but with everything else in my life, I haven't gotten around to researching it. I'll skip comparing brands, etc and just give Oasis Serene a try.

Stacy hated pancake Sunday Newbie
Stacy hated pancake Sunday
Posted

I have been gluten-free for a year now an my periods have become heavier and recently lengthened from 5 days to 6 days..with 3 days being especially bad instead of just 1(joy!)..I just assumed it was an aging thing(turning 39 next month. I have not been able to use tampons for years...instant migraine, pains in my arms and chest ...can't use the new 'plasticky' sanitary pads which cause the very bad and painful reaction like my reaction to latex. Thanks for the info everybody!

Cypressmyst Explorer
Cypressmyst
Posted

Check into Magnesium and other deficiencies, I'm betting there is a link between the body bleeding out all these nutrients and making a new lining and headaches etc... Might be as simple as adding some almonds to your day. ;)

possiblyglutensensitive Explorer
possiblyglutensensitive
Posted
  • Author

Check into Magnesium and other deficiencies, I'm betting there is a link between the body bleeding out all these nutrients and making a new lining and headaches etc... Might be as simple as adding some almonds to your day. ;)

Interesting, up until a few weeks ago I was craving almonds almost constantly and eating easily a half cup a day. :)

The doctor said I was low in iron (though not anemic), so that could explain the incredicble fatigue I have during, and the week after my period. (still tired all the time, it is just worst during those times).

Aside from that all my tests were normal including negative for anti gliadin and tTG.

Cypressmyst Explorer
Cypressmyst
Posted

See your body knows what it needs. ;)

Unfortunately the tests are not accurate or as sensitive as they need to be right now. Not even the gliadin test. The best and most accurate test is to try the diet for a month or three and see how you feel.

And do enjoy the almonds along the way. :)

tinkity Newbie
tinkity
Posted

I am just shy of 2 months gluten free. I started my period yesterday and starting the night before I felt just yucky... all through the day yesterday too. I am not officially diagnosed... just iffy results and the recomendation that I try the diet (it seems to be working beautifully!). I was queasy and my digestion was all messed up. I got a bit anxious and thought maybe everything was coming back- until my period started! I'm back to normal now and glad for it. :)

Lalama Apprentice
Lalama
Posted

The site below may be helpful. In addition to being gluten free, dairy free (and mostly refined sugar free) I try to adhere to this diet at least 5-7 before my period. I don't have endometriosis but extremely painful cramps if I don't eat right. It definitly seems to helps...

Open Original Shared Link

Bella001 Explorer
Bella001
Posted

It seems to me that having your period intensifies glutening effects. Even after more than 3 years, if I have any gluten contamination my PMS like symptoms are terrible, but if I am nicely gluten free, I don't even know it's coming.

Same thing with me...my PMS is out of control if I got glutened the weeks leading up to it. My period is pretty bad if I get glutened as well. Much worse than normal.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):


  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      128,175
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748
    Janice Emmendorfer
    Newest Member
    Janice Emmendorfer
    Joined
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):

  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.1k
    • Total Posts
      70.7k
  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):



  • Who's Online (See full list)

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):


  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • trents
      For people with celiac disease and corn intolerance from it: Is salt still okay for most people?

      By trents · Posted

      Gluten-like cross reactions to other foods are from the proteins that make them up. Dextrose is the sugar component found in corn.
    • Ryangf
      For people with celiac disease and corn intolerance from it: Is salt still okay for most people?

      By Ryangf · Posted

      I just found out a few days ago that some salt like table salt contains dextrose that’s derived from corn. I’ve been thinking about getting rid of using table salt and just using my own kosher or Himalayan salt, but tbh I’m reluctant to do it. I’ve cut out a lot of things and I don’t really want to cut out anything else that I’m not sure will effect me…in a super small amount that it might be added to salts to stabilize the iodine. I don’t want to be further alienated when I have to go to a restaurant with my friends. Also most of the items at my house that have salt in it canned food etc. are some of the few quick things I can eat- because I’m not the one paying for the food in my household and i can only ask for so much. I’m not in a place financially where I can get a lot of my specialized items- although my family tries their best to get items I Can actually stand. I get I can bring a my own salt with me at a restaurant and ask for no seasoning but it feels like a lot to me- cause I already check for cross contamination and ask if the food has like a high volume of corn in it like cornstarch etc. I’ve also heard most dextrose is not derived from the Zein (corn gluten) portion of it- so it might be safe- but idk if that’s true. I just wanna know if anyone actually responded to it negatively.
    • Scott Adams
      I’m so confused…

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      For my first couple of years after discovering my celiac disease I also had to avoid cow's milk/casein and eggs, as well as other things, but could tolerate duck eggs and sheep and goat's milk products. I'm not sure if you've tried those, but it could be worth testing them out.
    • knitty kitty
      I’m so confused…

      By knitty kitty · Posted

      Hello, @Kwinkle, How are you doing?   Have you tried adding a Magnesium supplement?   The B Complex vitamins need magnesium to work properly, especially thiamine vitamin B 1.   Magnesium deficiency symptoms and Thiamine deficiency symptoms both include gas and bloating.  Thiamine deficiency symptoms also include loss of appetite and fatigue.   My gas and bloating resolved rather quickly when I took Benfotiamine (a form of thiamine shown to promote intestinal healing) and Magnesium Glycinate in addition to my B 50 Complex (all twice a day plus the following...).   I found Magnesium L-Threonate or Magnesium Taurate are better when taken with a form of thiamine called TTFD (Tetrahydrofurfuryl dusulfide) because all of these cross the blood brain barrier easily, which corrects the loss of appetite, fatigue and anxiety.    Like @Celiacandme said, keeping a food/mood/poo'd journal is a big help in finding problematic foods, and for making sure your diet is not carbohydrate heavy.  If you're eating a lot if processed gluten free facsimile foods, be aware they do not have vitamins and minerals added to them like their gluten containing counterparts.  For every 1000 kcal of carbohydrates, we need an extra 500 mg of thiamine to turn them into energy and not store them as fat.   Let us know how you're doing!
    • Scott Adams
      Testing

      By Scott Adams · Posted

      Yes, if you had symptoms when eating gluten ruling out celiac disease won't necessarily mean you'll be able to eat gluten again, although it might mean that you may be able to be less strict with your gluten-free diet. 
×
×
  • Create New...