Symptoms of Gluten Intolerance in Women

The symptoms of gluten intolerance in women are quite different from those that are observed in men. It is important to take note of these differences, though in most other respects the symptoms between the sexes are the same. Gluten intolerance is brought about by intestinal sensitivities to the substance called gluten, which is found in cereals such as oat, barley and wheat. If you are experiencing some of its symptoms, it is crucial to observe yourself and see if the discomforts you are experiencing are similar to these.

Among the symptoms of gluten intolerance in women, one of the most noticeable is that which is mistaken to be a symptom of pregnancy -- missing periods. This is not that prevalent, however, because the main system being affected by the intolerance is the digestive system. For reasons yet unclear, the reproductive system is also affected at times, so that many women mistake their experience as being a sign that they are pregnant.

To some women, there's even that extreme case in which they're having fertility problems as a result of their gluten sensitivity. Thus it is a serious issue that should never be taken for granted. There is no doubt that the reproductive organs are being affected, which is why it is important to differentiate the symptoms between men and women.

It also seems that in women with such an intolerance, depression is one of the unwanted effects of gluten intake. This is unfortunate because we all eat cereals at home yet only a few people know about gluten intolerance, so some women only have the faintest idea that what they are undergoing is actually caused by what they eat. This is unless they have been observing the discomforts for a long period of time to be able to associate them with their food intake.

In a sense, the symptoms of gluten intolerance in women can be likened to allergies. They arise suddenly without warning, and you have to be able to become aware, first and foremost, of this "allergy" (intolerance), before you're able to see a pattern. So to help you with this, I've listed the other gluten symptoms that affect women:

• Dermatitis or skin-swelling on the buttocks, elbows, knees, and head.
• Rheumatic arthritis
• Miscarriages or difficulty to become pregnant
• Diarrhea
• Asthma
• Depression and other behavioral changes
• Mouth sores
• Pain in the joints and in bones
• Malnutrition

The symptoms of gluten intolerance in women are often brought about by the unusual retention of fluids, which is the opposite of dehydration. One of the more noticeable effects of this is feet and ankles that are swollen. It is essential if you are experiencing both problems, that you contact your doctor right away so you can be advised on what to do. However, the best thing to do is to have a gluten free diet right away, because on average, it takes 6 to 10 years for someone with celiac disease to really get diagnosed. You can find information about such diets on the web.