Links Between PCOS and Autoimmune Disorders? - Page 7

PaulStat · 11-09-2007, 07:20 AM

according to this article http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art1507.asp 85% of women with PCOS suffer from a gluten sensitivity.

Now take a look at this page which links gluten sensitivity with autoimmune diseases

http://jccglutenfree.googlepages.com/home

PaulStat · 11-09-2007, 07:23 AM

Almost forgot this one

http://www.ovarian-cysts-pcos.com/news38.html#sec2

novachick · 11-09-2007, 11:35 AM

Why would it necessarily be a gluten sensitivity? Why not the IR effects of eating carb loads? 85% of PCOS suffers, all of whom vary wildly on symptoms, body type, food issues, etc, having this problem to a noticable extent seems a bit overstated. After looking at the web articles related to "gluten sensitivity and PCOS", it seems to be a favorite culprit of some people.

Let's go with the numbers. PCOS is supposed to be what, 5%, conservatively, of all women? According to these "medical" claims, 35% to 50% of the population has a gluten sensitivity. If about half the population has a GS, and it's split evenly between women and men (which it isn't, women have a larger percentage), that's still a quarter of all women with it. 75.75 MILLION US women with a gluten sensitivity. And only 7.57 million women with PCOS. ALL the women with PCOS could be sensitive to gluten and would still make up only 10 PERCENT of all the female US cases.

GS may be relatd to PCOS, I don't know----but I hate people making connections between conditions without bothering to do any REAL research. Naming your article "Hidden Gluten Sensitivity a Leading Cause of Infertility" is not only disingenous, it's intentionally misleading and immoral. The lady who is discussed in that article got her nutrition degree from----drumroll please---a "distance learning" diploma mill called the "American Academy of Nutrition".

Girls, cmon---I know we're all trying to search out answers to our problems here, and I'd rather we discuss them than not TRY...but at least plug the articles you find into google to find out if there's ANY truth to them before posting 'em here. You can do so much harm by posting bad information on this board! If you find something interesting, just run a quick check on the author....or SOMETHING. A five minute google search can ensure you're not posting some crackpot's attempt to sell books.

Jashobeam · 11-09-2007, 03:39 PM

I am sensitive to grains as in when I don't eat grains I loose weight easier, feel better, etc. I do not have Celiac disease, or most of the symptoms of Gluten intollerance. I stopped eating grains for about 2 years and I still had fatigue, and most other symptoms that could be described as gluten intollerance. So, for me my fatigue and such are not related to gluten, even though some would make that connection. I just say I am grain intollerant, though I don't fully fall under that catagory.

Sarrah · 11-09-2007, 08:51 PM

Good point Novachick.

Betwixt · 11-10-2007, 09:37 AM

This is yet another one of those threads on this board where I could just cry from relief that I'm not alone. I've been trying to get a diagnosis for WHATEVER weird thing I have for YEARS- I suffer from chronic body pain, joint pain, pressure point pain (my husband has tried to wrap his arms around me and cuddle or hug me, and I wind up shrieking in pain), VERY nasty headaches, and the lists go on and on. I've actually made lists of symptoms, and gone to doctors, and when I have called for the appointment, I've been asked "well, what do you want to start with?" How 'bout the whole thing?? Don't treat the symptom, find out what the devil is wrong with me!

I'm calling the doctor Monday and gonna start suggesting panels while I still have the insurance. I thought I was maybe a hypochondriac or something, but now I see maybe it is all related.

Wow do I love you all.

Jashobeam · 11-10-2007, 12:24 PM

I think mine is related to CFS not gluten. I also have had pain off and on since childhood. When I was small they called it growing pains. When I stopped growing they called it obesity. How can obesity affect the joints in your hands when your hands have never had weight on them???? For the past several weeks my hands have ached so much I had to take off my wedding ring for a few days. Yesterday it was my hip and back (I'm still walking a bit funny) acting up. This winter I expect my legs to ache when it gets cold outside. For a few years these things were completely gone, then suddenly they are back. I'm not sure if docs will ever really find out what these pains are and how to help them.

Docs certainly didn't want to hear me ask about arthritus when I had no swelling and the pain would go away for months or even years at a time, then come back in different places. Both my parents had horrid arthritus at youngish ages. Mom's knees went bad before age 40, and I worry DD will have bad knees. I cannot kneel on wood or tile or the pain is excruciating. I have never been able to keep my balance when squatting to pick something up, even as a teen. My knees just won't hold me, even at my lowest weight.

melonzi · 11-10-2007, 05:08 PM

Wow! I am glad I found this thread! I suffer from autoimmune disorders and truly believe it's the cause if my infertility since dh and I have not been able to get pregnant in over 4 years (even after several meds, IUI's, and IVF's). I have:

-Sjogren's Syndrome (this one is the worst!)
-Rheumatoid Arthritis
-I am told I overlap into Lupus
-Fybromyalgia
-Hypothyroid
-PCOS

phew! I am sure I am missing some...I am currently taking Plaquenil 400mg and that's it. It helps with the swelling and joint pain. I am so glad I have found a group I can relate to!

Betwixt · 11-10-2007, 05:14 PM

Celiac disease is crazy stupid rare. My friend's mom has it. She was dropping weight like she had cancer but the doctors couldn't find what was wrong with her. They FINALLY found that it was celiac disease. It basically flattens or kills the lining in your intestines. I definitely wouldn't even think that I have celiac disease.

I could buy the gluten sensitivity though. I'd just like to know where it stems from. A few hours after what might have been a satisfying meal of pasta I'll sometimes get a wicked headache and I'll feel bloated and miserable. Not always though, which is why I've not been able to totally pin it to the pasta.

bookchick · 11-11-2007, 11:48 PM

Can I join? This thread has been so helpful and interesting, I know I'm not alone....For a few years now, I've been suffering with symptoms.

I have fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, sharp pains in my fingers and feet, my face goes numb and I get sharp pains in it. I either have a low grade fever or a low temp. I just feel BAD. I've had an MRI, a nerve conduction study, thyroid tests, b12.

My first family dr. and my neuro told me I just have anxiety...excuse me I wasn't anxious until I started falling apart.
I found another dr. when I moved. She has schedule a MRI of the neck spine and brain. She said that when so many symptoms from different parts of the body are happening, anxiety is a strong possibility.

Hello, I'm no Dr but what about: Lupus, Lyme, RA, MS, fibromyalgia

GRRRRR. I'm just wondering what has to happen to me before I get taken seriously.

I watch that show, Mystery Diagnosis. Almost every woman on there gets diagnosed with anxiety or depression before a Dr. finally gets it right.....

calmwaters · 11-12-2007, 03:19 AM

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis X for me.

LandonsMommy · 11-12-2007, 01:32 PM

I was diagnosed at age 12 with Guillain-Barre' Syndrome (GBS). This is a very rare illness that causes ascending (moving up the body from the feet) paralysis. It is normally caused by a virus (I had a stomach virus for a week prior) usually but is autoimmune. I was on a ventilator, lost the ability to walk, talk, breathe. Fortunately, the illness is temporary and only lasted a month, though it took a year to recover and learn to walk again. I still have some effects such as numbness from finger tip to elbow and from knee cap to toe tip. *This illness is rare and normally effects older individuals or very young children with already very compromised immune systems.

Knowning that GBS is autoimmune and that I have autoimmune hypothyroiditis (diagnosed 11 yrs later), I am sure there is some connection to PCOS as well. Autoimmune disorders are the hardest to treat as we are unsure what exactly in the body is attacking the involved system.

lachicarubia · 11-12-2007, 02:07 PM

I found this VERY interesting article about how candida is related to MANY auto-immune disorders, including chronic fatigue, Enstein-Barr, Fibromyalgia, etc., in addition to many symptoms associated with PCOS, like hypothyroid, insulin resistance, diabetes, depression, hormone imbalances, including low progesterone (estrogen dominance), etc.

I have discovered many of the same connections in my own personal experience with PCOS and candida, as I have been on my own healing journey. This article provides a bit more insite, and some explanations.

It is amazing to see how all these conditions are connected, and to see how many of the PCOS symptoms are also involved.

http://www.candidayeastkillers.com/greatest-threat.htm

TechLady77 · 11-12-2007, 02:40 PM

I'm going to have to add myself to this thread as well. There is SOMETHING wrong with me but they don't know what yet. They thought it was carpal tunnel syndrome but the surgery did not help. I have an appt with a neurologist tomorrow...we'll see what he says. The endo I went to said he did EVERY test possible and there is nothing wrong...well, then why did the Gyno find out I had PCOS and clearly showed me the numbers? I don't believe doctors until I see proof. Clearly there are many doctors out there who are just me with a few more years of all night memorization binges. I've only found a few doctors who actually practice medicine. The rest just collect their money.

I'm currently on Lyrica for my pain. I'm praying for an answer and a cure. I really don't want another incureable disease.

BrenDevMom · 11-12-2007, 04:53 PM

I have psorasis and just two weeks ago was diagnosed with Interstitial Cystitis. I was beginning to think that it is all connected & I see that you are right, there has to be something deeper going on!