Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder that is triggered by gluten, the protein that is found in wheat, barley, and rye. The ingestion of gluten in those with celiac disease leads to destruction and damage to the small intestine. 
 

    The first step in screening for celiac disease is a blood test to look for the presence of celiac antibodies known as anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and anti-endomysial antibodies (EMA). These blood tests are highly sensitive and specific to the disease. If elevated antibodies are found, patients are then typically referred to a gastroenterologist for further evaluation with endoscopy and official diagnosis. 
 

    Undiagnosed or untreated celiac disease can lead to a host of seemingly unrelated problems, including osteoporosis, depression, and anemia. recent studies show that undiagnosed celiac disease also may be a cause of otherwise unexplained infertility in both women and men.
 

    It's not clear why more people with undiagnosed or untreated celiac disease suffer from infertility. It's possible that malnutrition and malabsorption of important nutrients like folic acid, zinc, selenium, and iron are likely playing a role
 

    Many researchers and clinicians now recommend that you be screened for celiac disease if you have unexplained infertility — especially if you have any of the classic celiac disease symptoms or risk factors.
 

    Many people with unexplained infertility have subtle symptoms of celiac disease or even so-called "silent" celiac disease, in which they have no apparent symptoms (you can have celiac disease without digestive symptoms, or in fact without any symptoms at all). So you shouldn't rely on your symptoms to determine your risk for the condition.

 

    If you're infertile and you have celiac disease, there's hope: Many previously infertile women were able to conceive successfully after being diagnosed with celiac disease and adopting the gluten-free diet. we have many naturopathic tools that can support you along your fertility journey.