Happy Tuesday! I just want to say that Christmas is ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! My level of excitement over here is extremely high, and I am just trying to fit all of the fun and traditions into the next several days.  Packing it in over at the Beucler house!  Also, I have had to ban gluten free treats over here.  I am close to ripping the seam in my favorite pair of black pants! I wish that was a joke! Ha!

So, I kind of “nerded out” on today’s post.  I have read so many articles, talked to a handful of doctors, and spoken with many women on this issue.  Basically, I transported myself back to my senior year in college for this post, and I have been loving it!  This subject is so interesting to me.  And, extremely personal.  I have an autoimmune disease, I have experienced infertility and I have had multiple miscarriages.  The trifecta of fun, huh?

Over the last ten years, autoimmune disorders are being talked about more and more.  And, I don’t know about you, but I know several people that are being diagnosed with them.  In my close group of friends, I have a handful of friends with Celiacs, someone with Hashimotos, someone with Lupus,and someone with a Thyroid condition.  And,that is all I know about! I am sure that there are more.

I know so many of you out there are dealing with unexplained infertility or recurring miscarriages that are hard to understand.  I am writing this post for you today!  If you are struggling with either of these issues, you may need to be evaluated for some autoimmune diseases. Keep on reading to check out the information on the connection between autoimmune disorders and infertility/miscarriages.  As well as some amazing new research on the horizon!  And, if you are dealing with this and need to chat, I am here.  I can be a good hand holder.

So, I was diagnosed with Celiacs in September of 2013 – after both of my boys were born.  I had infertility and miscarriages with them, but we have chatted about my translocation and PCOS issues before.  Basically, I am jacked up three ways until Sunday. I’ve accepted it!  But, after I lost two babies last year, I went on a mission to find out why – from a medical standpoint.  After delivering Sophie, we had her tested, and she was completely healthy. Not a thing wrong with her.  The little boy I lost just before Thanksgiving? The same thing . . . 100% healthy.  Such a heartbreaker.  My only conclusion is that my Celiacs caused both of these losses. My immune system was fighting my body and these precious babies.  They both fought as long as they could.  There is no medical proof to back up this theory, but I have some amazing doctors that agree this played a role in why 2017 was so horrible for my family.

Let’s get into the nitty gritty!  What is an autoimmune disease?

So, the research shows that around 50 million Americans, or one in five people, suffer from autoimmune diseases. Women are more likely than men to be affected.  It takes most autoimmune patients up to 5 years and nearly 5 doctors before receiving a proper diagnosis. So, unfortunately, autoimmune diseases remain very poorly understood.

Basically, an autoimmune disease is a problem with your immune system.  Your immune system is supposed to protect you against germs, bacteria and viruses.  Its job is to attack these foreign objects to keep us healthy.  However, when someone has an autoimmune disorder, the immune system goes into overdrive and starts attacking your body.  It causes inflammation and a host of other nasty issues. As you might expect, this has a negative impact on fertility.  According to the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, “several lines of evidence suggest that autoimmune mechanisms may influence the reproductive life and fertility of both sexes, commonly manifesting as infertility or pregnancy loss.”  In a situation like this, the immune system can attack sperm and embryos, making conception and pregnancy difficult.  Basically, a body attacking itself is not the best environment for fertility or pregnancy! 

Pertaining to Celiacs . . .

So, this is where I went a little nuts on the research.  Hang in there with me!  Celiac disease affects three million Americans, and it is three times more prevalent in women than men. And, doctors believe that as many as four out of five people with Celiac disease are undiagnosed. A recent study at Columbia University showed that there is an average delay in celiac diagnosis of 10 – 11.7 years.  According to the American College for Advancement in Medicine, “patients with celiac disease may have multiple nutritional deficiencies that can lead to infertility.” Celiac disease has been linked to recurrent miscarriage, pregnancy complication and infertility. A 2010 study found that between 5-10% of women with a history of stillbirth, recurrent miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and infertility were diagnosed with Celiacs Disease!  Isn’t that crazy?

If you are having unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriages, you may be dealing with an autoimmune connection!  So, how can you fix all of this CRAZINESS happening inside of your body?

1. Get tested for Celiacs! There is a blood test where they can test for your antibodies, but just know that I passed this blood test with flying colors.  Apparently, I am a portion of the Celiac population that is “antibody free”. If you feel better without gluten in your diet, then don’t eat it! It is easier than you think! Message me, and I can walk you through going gluten free. 
2. Get your thyroid checked! Get a standard thyroid panel done, as well as having them check your thyroid antibodies!  This can rule out an autoimmune thyroid issue.
3. Get your fasting glucose levels checked! This can help rule out type 1 diabetes or PCOS.
4. Eat well! Boo! I know, I am such a buzz kill. But, a healthy diet is KEY in dealing with autoimmune disorders.
5. Take a probiotic daily! 80% of our immune system is housed in our gut, so probiotics are SO important! I have one that I love if you want to check it out.  I’ve chatted about my love for this many times!
6. Exercise regularly.  Again,BOO! I know, I know.  I have always enjoyed being active, but since being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, it is a must.  For my body and my mind.  I really think at this point, 50% of my exercising is solely for mental purposes. Do any of you feel that way?

In writing this post, I reached out to the one and only, Dr. Sam Chantillis.  He is a dear friend and was my fertility doctor for YEARS.  We were chatting about the autoimmune/infertility connections, and he passed on some AMAZING information.  From Sam: “The immune system has also been implicated as a possible (still unproven) cause of infertility, implantation failure, and recurrent pregnancy loss, by way of the “alloimmunity,” the immune system’s response to an embryo, but immunotherapy is still considered experimental.” Since Sam knows me well, he sent over some research on immunotherapy, and let me tell you . . . IT IS AMAZING!  The American Society for Reproductive Medicine has just begun research and studies on adjuvant immunotherapy treatments that could improve the outcome of assisted reproductive technology in patients with recurrent miscarriages.  Among many other theories, there is discussion of intravenous fat emulsions for nutrition that have shown to help with inflammation in the mother’s body.  This is still VERY early in the research stages, but it is SO interesting what is coming down the road to help couples become parents!

Thanks for letting me “nerd out” on you guys today! You know that I don’t get all clinical on you very often!  I hope that this helps some of you out there as you are walking the road of infertility and loss.  If you have any questions, I would LOVE to talk with you.  I am NOT a doctor AT ALL, but I am happy to point you in the right direction.  Praying for those of you that this information touches today.  XO