The Relation between Celiac Disease and Ovarian Reserve: A Case-Control Study

Celiac disease (CD) is one of the most prevalent chronic digestive disorders, often presenting with intestinal symptoms as well beyond. These symptoms may include reproductive complications. To gain a deeper understanding of a women's fertility potential, medical professionals employ sonographic and laboratory techniques to predict the ovarian reserve. The aim of this study was to explore the ovarian reserve in women affected by CD in comparison to healthy women in their reproductive years, this study aimed to find the relationship between CD and ovarian reserve.

This case-control study included a total of 27 patients diagnosed with CD, alongside an agematched group of 27 women without CD. A comprehensive checklist for demographic information was completed for each participant. During days 2-4 of the menstrual cycle, blood samples were collected to measure the levels of follicular stimulating hormones (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), anti-mullerin hormone (AMH), and prolactin. Simultaneously, pelvic ultrasound was conducted to assess the number of antral follicles count (AFC) and ovarian volume on the same day.

There was no significant difference in age, pregnancy history, spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, premature births, and low birth weight babies between the case and control groups (P>0.05). However, there were significant variations in mean weight, body mass index, and menarche age between the two groups (P<0.05). Moreover, the serum levels of FSH and AFC of the right and left ovaries also showed significant differences between the two groups (P<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed regarding AMH, LH, TSH, prolactin, and ovarian volumes (P>0.05).

The present study showed that women with CD have significantly higher AFC and serum FSH levels than healthy women.