Coeliac disease and reproductive disorders: a neglected association

Coeliac disease is a chronic disease caused by a permanent intolerance to i ngested gluten resulting in immunologically mediated inflammatory damage of the small-intestinal mucosa. The wide spectrum of clinical symptoms is par tly due to the malnourished state caused by the malabsorption of macro- and micronutrients. Fertility problems, sexual dysfunction and obstetrical com plications are more frequently observed in patients with coeliac disease. T hese reproductive disorders may be a consequence of the endocrine derangeme nts caused by selective nutrient deficiencies. Nowadays, the early diagnosi s and treatment of coeliac disease is possible and not very costly. Therefo re, coeliac disease must be seriously considered in the preconceptional scr eening and treatment of patients with reproductive disorders.,(C) 2001 Else vier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.