Going gluten free for infertility?

[xtara2003x]

Hi there. I was just wondering if any of you have tried going gluten free thinking that may have something to do with your infertility.

A few friends had suggested that to me, since I clearly ovulate at the right time (cd 15) and my cycles are very regular and normal. A lot of the symptoms of gluten intolerance are things that I deal with regularly.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this!

Tara

[Taxlady]

I've been gluten free for one year. Although it has helped me so much in so many other ways, it has not helped me get pregnant. However, I had some severe problems that went away pretty much immediately when I stopped eating gluten. Another friend of mine is stopping to help her with her PCOS.

I say, it can't hurt to go gluten free. Even people that don't need to be gluten free say they feel better when they don't eat it. If you need any advice about it (it can seem daunting at first - it's actually really easy) message me.

I can't say it enough times how much it has helped me live a much better life!

[crazyrunningmama]

I think if you have symptoms from gluten it would be worth giving it up. Even if it doesn't help your fertility, you might feel better. When I was ttc, I tried cleanses, giving up dairy, giving up wheat, acupuncture... Some things did seem to help (3 IVF's and 4 FET's, severe male factor infertility).

Good luck

[wallabi]

hey there -

I am GF, too, though not specifically for fertility (intolerance or, more likely I think, celiac) runs in my family) and the amazing difference that I feel in my overall health is the only thing that has pushed me to try TTC again (I have been infertile for years). There are a lot of people in the GF world who were infertile before going off gluten, so there seems to be a lot of anecdotal evidence in support of the idea that untreated gluten intolerance and/or celiac disease causes infertility. I have come across a few studies, as well, linking celiacs with infertility and a higher rate of miscarriage, but none come to mind just now (sorry!).

if you have trouble with gluten and are still eating it, then you are almost certainly not in the best shape you can be in - not ideal for TTC or pregnancy, at any rate, apart from any other interference it might be offering to your system.

I think it is worth a try - I have been off gluten for just under a year, but with enough accidental exposures that I don`t feel like I have had enough chance to heal, so I am still hopeful and still trying.

like taxlady, I really feel it has made a big difference in my quality of life - headaches, minimal, upset tummy, minimal, fatigue and cloudiness, gone, and on, and on!

go on, try it!

[Taxlady]

Wallabi I have never read anything about GF and infertility.. thank you so much for this information. I have been GF for a year and I feel everyday that my body is returning to normal and also becoming ready to carry and deliver a baby. I also have run into gluten a few times and I know my body still doesn't deal well with it. I'm just inspired to know that women have had success conceiving after going gf.. that totally boosts my confidence.

[collieflower]

I haven't been able to go totally gluten-free (a bit of a willpower and time problem), but I stopped eating all wheat after over a year TTC. Within three months, I was pregnant. I miscarried that baby (but had stupidly begun eating wheat while pregnant). I'm avoiding wheat again (and cursing the co-worker that brought in yummy-looking donuts this morning) and hoping it will help me get pregnant again soon.

[Drummer's Wife]

This is interesting, and I say it's worth a shot. I have been gluten-free for almost 2 months now, and we have been TTC to no avail for 2 years. It would be totally awesome if I finally got knocked up - hard to say if GF is the reason, but I'd be happy nonetheless.

[singin_angel]

I am not eating gluten free in specific but I am eating wheat, sugar, and dairy free. All three of those can make the fluid in the fallopian tube thicker and increase chances of an ectopic (I've already had two).

My life feels amazingly different. DH and DD still drink cow's milk and I don't think I could ever go back. I am currently drinking almond milk and DD seems to like it alot too.

Sugar is in just about everything, even some spice blends, so I have learned a lot about the foods I was eating and currently am eating.

I also do weekly acupuncture, take homeopathics, follow a seed protocol (some seeds increase estrogen and other progesterone), and have ear seeds that provide reflexology all week long. I do a bit more but hopefully it all works out in the end.

I'd say if you are already having symptoms of gluten, then go for it - anything that will make you feel at your best is not only good for ttc but also just for your general happiness and wellbeing. Best wishes!

[lesliesara63]

I just had a family friend suggest it to me, so I'll have to get reading.