39 replies to this topic

[yack plodder]

I hope there are some girls or people of the medical profession that may be able to help me with this one. Sometimes when I run I get really bad lower back pain and severe cramping pain. It's exactly the same pain as when my periods are starting only far more severe. If I stop running it actually gets worse but will stop after about 5 minutes or so. It doesn't seem to occur at any time in relation to my menstrual cycle or the intensity of my run. It has also happened when I ride a bike so can't be related to the pounding of running.

Any ideas ladies? Is there someone out there with the same problem as me? I have asked my doctor about it once but he had no idea!

[Catastrophe]

Hi Yack

I've experienced this too!! It only happens very occasionally but it's exactly as you described. I find that if I keep moving (rather than curling up in a ball clutching my stomach ;) ) it eases up a bit quicker. I'm curious to know what causes it too.

Cat

[ladyjove]

hi guys - i get this too. But it is not too bad - just uncomfortable. Usually happens in the first 30mins of a run, but once i am warmed up it goes away, so i just run through it.

[BDC]

Yack Plodder, my wife had the exact pains you describe for a number of weeks. The pain would come on usually after 10-15 mins of running and she would be barely able to move and did seem to get worse for 5-10 minutes after she stopped.

We saw a gynaecologist who runs himself but he also had no idea. I have looked on the internet but cannot find anything about it. She hasn't had the pains for about 12 months and we have no idea what it was.

I get the impression from your post that the condition is not that uncommon but I also get the impression that no one has any answers! Good luck.

[downunder runner]

hi Yack,

Do you have any sharp or stabbing like pain at all either when running or just during other times? Does it happen at a particular time in your cycle?

I was diagnosed with endometriosis a few years ago but lived with the pain for many years as I thought it was 'normal'. I had surgery and took progestorone for some time which did help, BUT there is NO cure and the condidtion comes back.

Hopefully it is not this however...but i do have similar pain when running like you describe, but generally I know it WILL go away after a few kms and since taking up running, my condition has improved.

I hope you find what is causing the pain. Keep a diary of when and how long it happens to see if there is a pattern.

take care.

[yack plodder]

Thanks for the replies guys. Seems it just one of those things some of us put up with. I have made more of an effort to simply run through it and although painful it does seem to go away. Given that, I wonder if it has anything to do with 'warming up'? Maybe I need to warm up my uterus and the like as well as my hammies, calves etc..... :D

[edi's mum]

I have had that pain before and so has my sister. I get them sometimes when I am working harder, eg running hills or speed sessions. Since having a baby it reminds me of contractions. Yuck!!! I thought it might be the internal stomach muscles tightening around the uterus, causing a cramping feeling, and then taking a while to release or stretch back out. Anything that reminds me of contractions isn't good...
Whatever it is, keep running and enjoy yourself. This is just another thing us girls have to run through.
:rolleyes: ;) :) :)

[muzz]

I'm a physio, not a doc, but I would recommend a check up from your GP or gynae to make sure all is well in your 'nether regions'. If all is ok there, you may have some pelvic floor muscle weakness which means your pelvic organs are not being supported well. 35% of elite female runners have stress incontinence due to weak pelvic floor muscles - and these are ones who haven't had babies!!! Even if you don't have any incontinence, you may still be weak, but not yet weak enough to leak. This may mean your uterus, bladder etc are dragging down on their supporting ligaments with the impact of running and causing discomfort. If you are hypermobile (can get hands flat on floor when bending frowards, elbows and knees bend backwards beyond straight etc) this can happen as your ligamnets are inherently looser and so less supportive.
Basically, this doesn't sound like one of the common musculoskeletal problems, so get checked out by your GP rather than waiting and seeing what happens.

[bnkergrl]

I too get these cramps. These cramps end up getting so bad I have to run to the nearest bathroom, which isnt always very near. It is very discouraging. I wish I could find an answer.

[snoopkat]

Wow, I never talked to anybody else who has this problem! I've had it ever since I started running.

Muzz, what you're saying goes along with what a running coach and a personal trainer suspected when I asked them this question. But how are you supposed to strengthen your pelvic floor and all of the other muscles in that area? Kegels and ab work? Also, you mentioned that being hyperflexible might exacerbate the problem... what about the exact opposite? (For the longest time I couldn't even touch my toes, so I'm definately not hypermobile...)

Maybe I should try yoga or pilates.

Thanks,

Elaine.

[indent]quote:

---

Originally posted by muzz:
I'm a physio, not a doc, but I would recommend a check up from your GP or gynae to make sure all is well in your 'nether regions'. If all is ok there, you may have some pelvic floor muscle weakness which means your pelvic organs are not being supported well. 35% of elite female runners have stress incontinence due to weak pelvic floor muscles - and these are ones who haven't had babies!!! Even if you don't have any incontinence, you may still be weak, but not yet weak enough to leak. This may mean your uterus, bladder etc are dragging down on their supporting ligaments with the impact of running and causing discomfort. If you are hypermobile (can get hands flat on floor when bending frowards, elbows and knees bend backwards beyond straight etc) this can happen as your ligamnets are inherently looser and so less supportive.
Basically, this doesn't sound like one of the common musculoskeletal problems, so get checked out by your GP rather than waiting and seeing what happens.

---

[/indent]

[The Owl]

Interesting. I get a similar thing occasionally before my period when I run and sometimes at other times. I'd be interested to learn more too.

[laracroft]

Hi guys,

Yes, unfortunately I get this too, but it is usually only the day or two days before my period is due, and only when I run! It is like a really dull lower tummy ache, but really strong and painful. Not nice. However, if you aren't getting it around the time of your period, it may not be related to that and you may need further advice. Could be a bowel problem?

Good luck with it!

[Alanna]

Try getting your doctor to check your iron levels. It is very common for women to have low iron levels, and it is this that is causing me the exact same symptoms that you all have. When you have low iron, your body cannot produce enough haemoglobin, and oxygen cannot get to your muscles, especially during bouts of exercise.

Its a simple problem with a simple fix, so it might help to start there!

[catch me if you can]

I often experience this wehn I go running early in the morning for some reason. I always just thought it was my system tellin me that I'm stupid for getting up early and doing thsi to myself!!!

I always suspected it had more to do with my bowel region but I am wrong by the sounds of things....

hmmm...

[Miss Gazelle]

Have just experienced the same pain after increasing my weekly mileage, so the iron/diet solution Alanna suggested sounds like the most likely cause if it is the same problem.

[Susie P]

How ironic. I have been having this problem for quite some time. I seem to get it when i push myself a little harder than usual but then again sometimes its come up on steady runs. I have had to stop many times because of it. I thought it was just me; but (forgive me when i say) i'm so glad other women experience the same pains.
I have always had naturally very high iron and all bloods/other tests have come out fine.
I hope we can get some answers on this topic.

Susie P

[clairie]

I often get cramps at the beginning of a race and have always put it down to nerves as it goes away within the first 3kms of the run.

Like some have said here though, I do sometimes get pain when doing speedwork or hills.

I think everyone is different but some of the suggestions above are great ones and we should all look at them:
Low in Iron
Pelvic Floor region
Bowels (I know some Gels make peoples tummy's really crampy - men and women).

I might start noting in my running diary the frequency and timing to see if there is anything common to when I feel the cramps (it is certainly not menstrual only). Might give me some more insight.

Let me know when the cure is found :)

[dirthills]

Hmmm.... very interesting. I'm a running doctor (or a docting runner), but I'm not sure what this is. The problem is that all the major pelvic organs can refer pain to the low back (ie. the uterus, bowel and bladder). It is tempting to say the pain comes from the round ligament (which helps suspend the uterus in the pelvis) but then it shouldn't happen when you're cycling.

The most likely thing is a diversion of blood flow thing. That is, all the blood going to your skeletal muscles which are doing all the work, and away from the other organs.

Does it occur at any other time? Where exactly is it? Or is it really hard to localise? Does it go away regardless of what you do, ie keep running or stop? Is there a threshhold effort below which it won't happen? How long have you been running? Have you tried the stuff that works for period pain (preventatively I mean)?

[tofinogirl]

I was a soccer player for 7 years, and during the 5th year of soccer i suddenly started having these menstrual pains when i first started running. I would just keep playing through them and as 5-10 minutes later i was perfectly fine and would be great for the rest of my game. Never knew what caused them, but I would just go to the bathroom just before playing/running and sometimes if I was lucky I wouldn't get them. That was a few years ago, and I have started running again. But the pains are back and worse then ever and it feels worse then menstrual pains. Truly, I am glad I'm not the only one. I hate running with a buddy because of it, and don't want anyone to see me in pain, so I normally run at night. I thank you all for your insight, and now when i go to the doctors next week for this, they might be able to help with some of the ideas.

[Rudolf]

just few notes on the side :

-pelvic floor muscless - how to make them strong, is best to ask sexuologist, or find the book on sex, consult tantric sex teacher etc - it is basicaly to contract the PC muscles, similarly, like You want to stop the pee in the middle. There is even the feedback equipment - used similarly like a vibrator, which gives You the feedback measurement of the squeez, so it helps to do it correctly.
On the other hand, Your hasband would be glad to give You accurat feedback info, and be glad to help you exercise PC muscle few times a day.

- the last 2 days before period starts are the most critical days for injuries - something to do with hormons causing stiff muscless, and girls - gymnasts, athlets, etc, woul be not allowed to train in those last 2 days - simply would have their 2-3 days off . As soon as period starts, muscless loosens up, and full training can resume.

- If the problems are flow restriction, or oxygen local deprivations, there is always the question - are You not running too fast - with no long slow warm up ?, Also is it anaerobic (speed hills ???), perhaps the body is telling You warm up first and slow down.

-similar feeling I always used to have (am not pretending to be a girl), when I was trying to swimm the lenght of the pool under the water, and was badly needing the oxygen, but was trying to tuch the wall first.

- this can be similar effect, from mafia murders,
when suffocating dying victim just opens the bowel, and PC muscle - this technicality is not always described in books and movies, but it is the lack of oxygen again.

[sindoors]

I've been reading this and have many of the same symptons. I am 33 years old and have had this since I was a teenager. I exercise about 4 days a week but not too strenously. The cramps happen very sporatically, perhaps once every few months, and both before and after my period. I usually run for about 30 mins and stop on my own. I never feel the pain when I am running but shortly after. I begin to feel slight menstral-like cramps. Instead of the cramps getting better, they get worse and worse. They are MUCH more severe than menstral cramps..they feel like contractions. I have severe pain for a minute, then it subsides for about 10 seconds, then starts again, then subsides, so on.... This session lasts about 20 mins during which time I feel like I need to have a bowel movement and have 1 or 2 bowel movements. I begin to sweat severly, and sometimes feel my hands begin to feel numb and tingly. After the sweat comes a cold feeling and I feel very tired and exhausted from the entire experience. I've been in the gym lockerroom curled up on the floor. This has happened usually before and after my period which no changes to my diet. Any advise is appreciated!

[slowcoach]

Me too! However, the pain has not occurred since having my second baby. That could be because I am breastfeeding and do not have a menstrual cycle as such at the moment. Also, there is no chance I could be running too hard and suffering from a lack of oxygen as I can't get my legs moving fast enough.... Regarding the pelvic floor, I am thoroughly exercising those muscles. And my iron levels are fine at the moment.
As stated by many before me, it is nice knowing I am not the only one to have suffered such a natural injustice.

[jacjacjac]

Hi guys. i used to have those kind of pains too when running, but ide like to ask something else - i know its kind of off the topic,ive started training for a 10 k and my menstrual cycle has stopped..is this a bad thing?

[queen_bee]

I looked up a few of the symptoms mentioned above (I am not a doctor or health practitioner!) and am wondering if you should be checked for endometriosis. I have a friend who has suffered this illness for some time, and the symptoms are similar although she is not a runner so the occurence is different.

jacjacjac, you don't mention how old you are, but if your menstrual cycle stops for any length of time and you've recently upp'ed your training load, you may be suffering from a condition called Amenorrhea . More sports related information at Peak Performance. It's important to ensure that you address your nutrition when you increase your training. Research shows calcium uptake is inhibited when your cycle ceases. Calcium is essential for bone health and density, as well as recently discovered that it's important in weight management, particularly in athletes.

Note - I'm not a health practicioner, but have a great interest in the health of the female athlete and like to keep my knowledge expanding.

[jacjacjac]

thanx for the email refrences - .
Im 16 (turning 17): so increasing calcium and food consumption seems to be the solution i got out of that, am i right? the sites also suggested its quite dangerous over an extended time periods so if those kinds of things will help get me back on track then ill be happy to do them.

[tulipsandroses]

During the entire week after my period, almost exactly 2o minutes into a run, I get really bad lower abdominal cramps and have to stop running. Just when I think I need to go to the hospital, the cramps start to lessen, letting up for a few seconds and resuming until finally they go away, maybe 10 minutes in all. My doctor suggested a hernia, I also had an ultrasound of my ovaries; also I "have" infertility and thought I must just have some weird crossed tubes or something. For awhile I just stopped running during that week in my cycle. Today, though, in fact, I decided to just stop at the very first signs of pain, and walk it out, and though the whole routine happened, it was easier. When I got to a computer I tried a search and found this message board. It's an incredible relief to find that others have the same problem, and there are at least some ideas about what's going on. Thanks! :D :) :D

[Coastie]

I too have suffered from the exact cramping pain you have described. I used to run a 2km circuit around my block so I was never too far from home in case pain struck! Although the pain was just like period pain, the fact that I often ended up needing to go to the loo made me think that it was a digestive/bowel issue. So that's how I treated it - I found out what foods were good and bad to run with. I kept a diary of what I ate the night before a run and also the intensity of the run. For me it is chocolate and icecream, and to a lesser extent cake. I seem to have built up a bit more of resistance over time and can now go out having had a bit of chocolate the night before, with no problems. However, the memory of the original pains remain, so I still steer clear of chocolate, ice-cream and cake in the 48 hours prior to a race!
This may not be a solution for everyone, but perhaps worth a try.
Good luck!

[martinca]

Finally! Some discussion about this strange problem. It has taken me so long to find anyone who has experienced these symptoms! Sindoors, you describe the excruciating pain so well. I am in my late 30s and have had this problem since my teens. Running is the worst culprit, but I've been striken while cycling, paddling, even dancing, of all things.

There is no pathology in my reproductive organs. There is no correlation that I can make between menstrual cycle or the state of my bowels, what I have eaten, or the intensity of the workout. I have asked my chiropractor, massage therapist and family doctor for advice, with no luck. Finally, a gynaecologist said, "Some women just experience that. We don't know why. Pop some ibuprofen before running"(600mg about 1/2 hr before).

Not much to go on and even that doesn't always work. It is very frustrating, and like one other woman, I am wary of getting too far from home, because of the need to be near a toilet. I have even thrown up due to the severe pain. I enjoy running and am stubborn about quitting.

[slowcoach]

How funny you should mention that......
My symptoms recently returned and a couple of weeks later I was diagnosed with Irritable bowel syndrome!
Since avoiding certain foods, my symptoms no longer persist. However I know straight away when I have been eating what I shouldn't...........

[rlh]

Some advise please from the female cool runners or other experts!
Has anyone used the pill (OCP) that is designed especially for acne. If so were there any side affects ie poor performance, weight gain etc.
I am 15, I have tried everything else and i am under a specialist.
I desperately want no pimples but i worry it might muck me up.

Edited by rlh, 03 September 2006 - 10:43 AM.

[slowcoach]

Hi rhl,

Can't help you with the pill for acne, but I have previously run whilst on the pill and know of many successful athletes that have. Sometimes it took a month or so to adjust to the hormonal changes.

I am not really one for any type of hormone or drug to be admitted to my body. I find that you will always work better whilst natural, however I had to take the pill to reduce the amount of pain I was in. I would faint and vomit constantly for 3 days every month. If this is the last resort you have, try it? If it affects you negatively then stop taking it. That is my personal opinion. I am not a professional though. You could always go and see a sports doctor who would know about hormones and the athlete's body! They could offer you advice I am sure!!

Good luck!

[Louise]

I wouldn't recommend going on the pill at 15 unless your body is fully mature. In my own case, I stopped developing (and I was 17).

I've been on Diane-35 to keep my skin under control - acne, rosacea, etc, and it works for me. But then, I never had pimples in my teens. What's worse - zits in your teens along with everyone else, or zits in your 30s when everyone else has outgrown them? Ugh.

Good luck, whichever way you go. Listen to the specialist.

[Velouria]

rlh, I've never heard of OCP, but I'll share my story with you as it might be of some help.

My teenage acne was quite severe also. I saw a dermatologist when I was 15 who gave me a number of topical treatments (retin A was one) that improved it significantly - I'd suggest considering that as an alternative to the pill.

I used Diane from age 18 to about 26 and noticed no problems with my fitness etc. What I did notice is that I became a bit grumpy over the years, at the time I presumed it was just me getting older!

I switched a few years ago to a lower-dose pill called Loette and while I no longer need an acne pill, I believe it is one that can assist with acne. Loette has a lower dose of progesterone (? I think) than many of the other pills and I found myself feeling much happier (less grumpy!) and more normal on it.

As others have suggested, consider the alternatives as the pill is not ideal when your body is still growing. If you do go down that path, also consider the possibility that the higher-dose pills may have an affect on your mood - being grumpy and feeling a bit low all the time ain't a lot of fun!

- V

[The Owl]

Diane 35 made me grumpy too! It affected my thyroid function and I didn't find that it helped my skin either so I switched to another type.

If your acne is causing you distress I recommend seeing a dermatologist. They will be able to advise you on a range of different approaches to help.

[martinca]

Almost a year after my first post on the subject of what feels like menstrual pain while running, I've stumbled across a possible explanation. I saw an article by a doc in a medical column that describes my situation, and the condition is called osteitis pubis. You can google the term to find many similar webpages with info. Try http://www.runnersweb.com/running/news/rw_...itis_Pubis.html to get started. I'm still not sure why the problem, but here's a name.

[chibichibi7554]

tulipsandroses, on Jan 7 2006, 02:54 PM, said:

During the entire week after my period, almost exactly 2o minutes into a run, I get really bad lower abdominal cramps and have to stop running. Just when I think I need to go to the hospital, the cramps start to lessen, letting up for a few seconds and resuming until finally they go away, maybe 10 minutes in all. My doctor suggested a hernia, I also had an ultrasound of my ovaries; also I "have" infertility and thought I must just have some weird crossed tubes or something. For awhile I just stopped running during that week in my cycle. Today, though, in fact, I decided to just stop at the very first signs of pain, and walk it out, and though the whole routine happened, it was easier. When I got to a computer I tried a search and found this message board. It's an incredible relief to find that others have the same problem, and there are at least some ideas about what's going on. Thanks!

This is the exact problem I have. What is the worst is that people think I am just a whimp. I backed out of a field hockey tournament today because I was scared of the pain I get when running while on my period and I am getting such a hard time about it from other girls. ;_;

[twosheds]

I have just read through this post and was thinking about when i was overdue in pregnancy i asked my doctor why people suggested caster oil. to induce labour He said that the same nerves that innervate the bowel also innervate the uterus- so the stimulation on the bowel via the caster oil could also ( at least in theory) cause contractions in the uterus. - ( it has been 18 years since I had that conversation so the details may be a bit dodgy- but you get the idea). Sometimes running can stimulate the bowel- maybe that causes the period like pain ( ie contarction in the uterus).
i have osteitis pubis- didnt feel much like period pain- which i felt as very low down and more a stinging type pain.
Good luck
two sheds

[maryclaire]

I can vouch for the castor oil/labour induction theory; baby #6 was 7 days late and not responding to the usual treatments (spicy food etc) so in desperation I used a recipe i found on the internet that involved castor oil & sarsparilla (with Dr approval) and very quickly moved to the bathroom for 1/2 hour and then into full on labour; baby was delivered by my husband in the car outside the hospital. Note: anyone trying this should be prepared for the consequences and have the car packed first.

Back to original topic: I don't suffer what has been described but the theory of diverted blood flow makes a bit of sense - perhaps similar to runners who commonly experience bowel troubles when running? All those systems "down there" are very close to each other and must impact on nearby organs/systems to some extent - in my completey uneducated opinion, of course

[ican]

maryclaire, on Feb 21 2009, 05:18 PM, said:

I can vouch for the castor oil/labour induction theory

I can't....my husband talked me into using it and although I was in the toilet that night, it wasn't with labour pains. Oh yeah, the husband thought it was hilarious...I didn't!

[twosheds]

[quote name='maryclaire' date='Feb 21 2009, 04:18 PM' post='432079']
I can vouch for the castor oil/labour induction theory; baby #6 was 7 days late and not responding to the usual treatments (spicy food etc) so in desperation I used a recipe i found on the internet that involved castor oil & sarsparilla (with Dr approval) and very quickly moved to the bathroom for 1/2 hour and then into full on labour; baby was delivered by my husband in the car outside the hospital. Note: anyone trying this should be prepared for the consequences and have the car packed first.


My friend and I were both 2 weeks overdue on our first babies- we made a pact to do the cater oil one evening. She was like you, straight into labour- baby next day. I just got diaorrhea . No baby for 5 more days- and even then induced. next 2 were both 2 weeks late too. I think they like it in there.
two sheds