Amenorrhea and spontaneous abortions are reported more often for untreated women than for controls. Infertility was shown to be more common among untreated celiac women. Fertility and ability to carry an infant to term, returned when the women followed a gluten-free diet. They have also been found in first degree relatives of celiac disease patients. Behavioral changes, such as irritability and inability to concentrate, may be reported in undiagnosed children.
Adults often relate difficulties in short- term memory and concentration.
Many adults report that these problems persist, despite strict, long-term dietary adherence. Loss of calcium and the resulting decrease in bone density may be observed in the untreated celiac. Bone pain or a tendency to fracture bones without regard to age can become a critical problem. Celiac disease has been called the 'great mimic' because so many symptoms could be caused by other disorders. In addition, the symptoms can vary from person to person.