Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that is caused by an immunological response to gluten, a protein found in certain grains. This immunological response may result in symptoms that include diarrhea, steatorrhea, weight loss, abdominal distension, and weakness. Diagnosis may be made based on serological tests for IgA tissue transglutaminase or a mucosal biopsy of the small intestines that demonstrate villous blunting and intraepithelial lymphocytes. Due to this change in mucosa, individuals with celiac disease may not properly absorb key nutrients and vitamins that are essential to growth and development. Maintenance of a gluten-free diet in these patients resolves the inflammation and ensures these individuals absorb key nutrients properly. In particular, women with celiac disease should maintain a gluten-free diet as celiac disease may result in reproductive issues including delayed menarche, infertility, obstetric complications, and even early menopause. Adherence to a gluten-free diet is associated with improving fertility and pregnancy-related outcomes. Women with celiac disease should also be counseled on the risk of their children developing the disease, along with the importance of screening first-degree relatives for celiac disease in specific scenarios. This chapter will help to further describe celiac disease and specific health issues faced by women with celiac disease.