Hypothyroidism and celiac disease

Since both of these conditions are commonly found in people who have other AI diseases, like RA or SLE, I was wondering if any of you had ever been diagnosed with either one of them (or both).  The celiac disease intrigues me, specifically, because sources I've read have indicated that many people with RA or SLE have greatly improved joint symptoms when they tried a gluten-free diet (the only treatment for Celiac).  I'm currently being tested for both with a new GI doctor I saw last week.  I know that thyroid problems run in my family.  My mom had hyperthyroidism, and one of my sisters has hypothyroidism.  I'm not sure which one I'm being tested for, but I'm forever cold (as are many of you), and GI noticed that right away when he walked into the examination room--I think it goes more with hypothyroidism.  With the Celiac disease, it just makes sense that it might be a possibility.  I've always had GI issues, even as a little girl.  I had an all-out allergy to milk as an infant (or so mom said) and had to be switched to soy formula; to this day, I am lactose intolerant.  I can tolerate cheese, but no milk or icecream (even though I cheat quite a bit).  Lactose intolerance often goes hand-in-hand with a gluten intolerance.  Honestly, even if my numbers are negative for celiac, I thought I might try to the gluten-free diet just to see if it makes a difference with respect to my joints.  I may talk about it with my rheumy in a couple of weeks. 

Thanks for any information!

Elcamino

Hi Marji,  thanks for the reply.  I've read that celiac and hypothyroidism often go together, and once you have the celiac under control, the hypothryroidism soon follows.  The GI symptoms, for the most part, that go along with celiac can be quite vague and mild, if non-existent, for many people.  In Europe, they do regular screening of the general population and they have a fairly high rate.  They don't screen in the U.S., but now that more and more people are being tested, they're finding our rate as high as the European rate.  Interesting about the connection between diabetes and hypothyroidism, but it would make sense.  We are a carb-crazy culture.

El

Thanks for sharing your experience, Sue.  I am actually intrigued with the possibility that I may be able to control my problems with a diet alone.  In fact, I'll be disappointed if the bloodwork is negative, but then again, it does seem an awful easy fix, doesn't it?  Too easy.

Elcamino

Hi Elcamino,

I was just wondering whether you have found anything out? I was, in fact, disappointed that the celiac tests came back negative. I was absolutely desperate to find that I could have some control over what is going on. In the beginning, I purchased some on-line book about "curing" lupus and all it was was testimonials for and explanation of a low-fat vegan diet. I believe it helped those people but I don't believe it would help me. Following that diet (some years ago) I got way too thin and was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and had all sorts of troubles which vanished when I gained 10 pounds.

Anyway, diets continue to interest me and I do try to "eat well" understanding that everybody has a different idea of what that means for them.

Take Care,
Sue

I just stumbled upon this thread, and thought I'd throw my 2 cents in. I am a large woman with celiac disease and hypothyroid (also fibromyalgia). I went totally gluten free 10 months ago, and without trying (meaning I still eat sweets like a crack addict), I've lost 60-70 pounds, depending on the scales being used. lol Studies say that after a time of being GF, the thyroid will suddenly start doing it's job again. Who knows. Either way, I feel SO much better!