Possible Celiac?

I have not been formally diagnosed with celiac disease, so I hope this is OK to post.

I've bee having some medical issues recently that I haven't been able to pin down yet. I'm a 20-year-old female in otherwise good health. In the past few months, I’ve had significant weight loss (I did not actively try to, but it’s definitely appreciated). I’ve also been suffering with fatigue and hair loss. My doctor assumed it was a thyroid problem, but my tests just came back as fairly normal. My appetite has been decreased and I do not have any temperature intolerances. I also occasionally get diarrhea and floating stool - it's not a regular thing and I have not noticed a trend in foods I consume. I was referred to an endocrinologist as a follow up, but I am doubtful anything will be different.

I'm not sure if it's significant, but both my parents have autoimmune diseases - Graves' disease (thyroid) and T1 diabetes.

Should I ask to be tested for Celiac? Is it possible without severe GI disturbances?

Thank you!

I would certainly get tested for Celiac before I try an elimination diet. If you don't have the antibodies or the genetic markers, try an elimination diet to see if anything lessens your symptoms.

Consult with your doctor before following advice on the internet. ;-)

Good luck and let us know of your progress.

Oh, by the way, my only symptom when I was diagnosed was anemia. No intestinal issues. I had already been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis 15 years earlier. Two months after my DX, I started fracturing my vertabrae doing nothing due to Osteoporosis resulting from Celiac disease.

And...it can take months to YEARS for a celiac to heal. Hard to adhere to a GF diet for that long when you do not have a formal diagnosis.

Megan,

I assume your PCP ordered a complete thyroid panel which tests for antibodies against the thyroid since one of your parent's has Graves (my own mother has Graves, while I have Hashi's). How are your glucose numbers? If off, you should be tested for antibodies (e.g. GAD) for TD1. Your PCP should be able to do both, unless you have insurance/provider combo who requires you to see a specialist to order tests (this is how they save money, sad, but true). In any case, two months seems like a long wait. Call in and see if there are any cancellations.

The fracture? How did it happen? If you don't know, it could be osteoporosis which can be related to malnutrition (e.g. celiac disease or IBD). Fracturing without an injury is not common in a 20 year old.

Oh, celiac disease. Again, your PCP can at least do the basic screening (full panel is preferred, but again, some insurances/providers require a specialist to order the complete test. Ask for a CD screening: TTG IgA and an IgA deficiency test which just determines if the TTG works.

Finally, document! Get copies of all lab results. Email or put requests in writing. Doctors tend to brush off patients (or don't listen well), but they always must respond to the written word. Be nice.

Good luck!

cyclinglady: I did have a full thyroid panel done. Also, my glucose numbers have been fine in the past. I was not tested for diabetes then because I have no other symptoms - no excessive thirst or urination. I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought it was a long wait, like I said, I'm often able to get appointments rapidly. But, this is life. I'm on the cancellation list, though I will be unable to take last minute appointments once my school starts. I was really hoping to make some progress before the semester starts. Regarding the fracture, it happened during a freak accident at track practice before I started experiencing these symptoms. I do not believe the two are related, merely a coincident. Thank you for everything and I hope you're doing well.

soynomore: Thank you, I'll check that out.