When Bread Hurts

with celiac disease are diagnosed early, and follow a strict diet as treatment, the findings of the study suggest women won't go through menopause any earlier than disease-free women.  Symptoms of celiac disease are:

• Abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or indigestion

• Constipation

• Decreased appetite (may also be increased or unchanged)

• Diarrhea, either constant or off and on

• Lactose intolerance (common when the person is diagnosed, usually goes away after treatment)

• Nausea and vomiting 

• Stools that float, are foul smelling, bloody, or "fatty"

• Unexplained weight loss (although people can be overweight or of normal weight)

Because the intestines do not absorb many important vitamins, minerals, and other parts of food, the following symptoms may start over time:

• Bruising easily

• Depression or anxiety

• Fatigue 

• Growth delay in children

• Hair loss

• Itchy skin (dermatitis herpetiformis)

• Missed menstrual periods

• Mouth ulcers

• Muscle cramps and joint pain

• Nosebleeds

• Seizures 

• Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

• Unexplained short height