4. Mood Swings and Depression: The Emotional Rollercoaster
Emotions are part and parcel of the human experience. However, when emotions start oscillating with an intensity that’s hard to fathom, it’s time to take notice. Women with celiac disease often report inexplicable mood swings, periods of sadness, anxiety, and even depression.
It begins subtly, perhaps with irritability or a sudden bout of sadness. Over time, these emotional shifts become more pronounced, and the peaks and troughs of mood become harder to navigate. These aren’t just “bad days” or the regular ups and downs; they seem deeper, more profound.
But what’s the connection? The gut is often referred to as the body’s “second brain.” A majority of serotonin, the neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation, is produced in the gut. With celiac disease hampering gut health, it can lead to imbalances in serotonin production, thus influencing mood. (4)
