Menstrual like cramps while running

Lauren wrote:

I also do not eat beforehand either.

How long before a run are you eating (~maybe low blood sugar)? Are you dehydrated? Do you know if you're lactose intolerant? I had a teammate who got severe cramps during workouts-- turns out she had ovarian cysts. I also had a friend who had a bladder infection with similar complaints. Not to scare you, but if you can't pinpoint it to a dietary or hormonal issue, if could be something that needs to be checked out by a physician.

Gas?

If you are not menstruating and you have cramps, get checked for pelvic inflammatory disease or a severe yeast infection.

This is almost certainly a food or water problem. When I have had cramps like those and I'm not on my period, it was either because I was TOO hungry or because I was dehydrated. Make sure you're not running too far after your last meal, and bump up your water intake. It's summer, and it's probably a lot warmer than when you run during most of the year.

One other possibility if the cramps are a little higher than menstrual cramps: you're not properly warmed up for your run.

A woman I coach was diagnosed with endometriosis and she had somewhat similar symptoms.

Im the same way. There is nothing I can do except to take the pill. If I dont, then I will vomit and be bedridden for two days before Ican run again. damn female anatomy!

I run early in the morning so my last meal is supper the day before. I usually drink a glass of water before I head out. I also saw my gyno back in January and she said everything was normal. (She didn't help all that much.)

Ohhhh, that's a major no no with running. After an overnight fast, you have near depleted (or depleted) liver glycogen. Thus, if you run without eating breakfast, your body must rely on other fuel sources (~body fat and body protein such as muscle/bone), which are less efficient energy sources and longterm could be a cause for injury/illness.

Girl, you need to get food in you before you run. Even if it's something small like a banana or fruit bar, you need to get your blood sugar up after an overnight fast. Just water won't cut it.

I tend to get very bad cramps. One thing that helps is to not wait until your cramps/period begin to start taking ibuprofen or aspirin. Ibuprofen inhibits production of prostaglandins. Your body begins producing prostaglandins a few days before your period, and prostaglandins are partly responsible for the cramps. So, if you wait til the cramps start, you're already behind. But if you know when you're going to have your period and start an aspirin or ibuprofen regiment a couple days early, you can lessen the severity of cramps before they start. It's not perfect, but it's a lot better.

I run in the morning and do not eat before because if I do I will get cramps really bad. Is gatorade enough befor a morning run?

mitten wrote:

I run in the morning and do not eat before because if I do I will get cramps really bad. Is gatorade enough befor a morning run?

I wouldn't do Gatorade. You may have to experiment a little to find something that doesn't make you cramp. I have a certain kind of Balance bar that I like; one of my friends has a banana and a bit of milk; my brother has a very small bowl of Cheerios. Try some stuff. Something you personally eat frequently and digest easily is key, plus a glass of water.

Yeah, I agree with the person above. You need to find something that works for you. Carbohydrates are the easiest for the gut to digest, and a little protein (if tolerated) can help prevent your blood sugar from spiking. It doesn't have to be a full breakfast-- something very basic to get the blood sugar up. Are you cramping after eating dairy? If so, you might be lactose intolerant.

Bump....OP - any updates?

Lauren, I have been having this problem for over 10 years. It's extremely painful and also occurs right into about 10 minutes of running or so (usually a little past a mile for me). Sometimes I do end up having diarrhea, and but more often than not I don't. I don't think bowel movements are linked to the pain. It always occurs a couple of days to a week before my menstrual cycle, so I feel like that is a more likely link. Interestingly enough, I don't have them during my period. Often the pain does not stop until I am completely resting or sedentary. Does all of this sound familiar? I have no idea what it is either. I would really like to know. I meant to take Advil/ibuprofen about an hour before my intended workout. Maybe try that next time, if you find out what it is, please reply.

Also to other responders, it isn't diet, water or sodium intake. Like I said I've been experiencing this for a while and it happens no matter what.

I know it's no consultation, but you're not alone. I started experiencing this when I started going a little longer distances (for me). It seems to happen right when I hit about a mile. I did get off birth control and it started, but I don't want to go back on the pill either. Wish I knew what it was/how to fix it. My diet is very restricted and it still happens to me, and I am plenty hydrated.

Sounds like you're describing me to an exact. Frustrating to feel like this when trying to run!

I wonder if jaguar is still so set on food being necessary before running in the morning.

If a person manages to wake up so depleted after sleeping they must be very restless at night.

I feel fantastic when running on "empty" in the morning.

Hi there,

Just wanted to share, I'm experiencing the same thing - since about November last year about 15 mins (or 3ks) into my run, I get hit with period pain - no mistaking it... It's definitely the same pain as period pain. Sometimes it's worse than other times... It has been quite severe as well sometimes and made me feel nauseous. And then if I walk for about 5 minutes, it disappears and I can run as normal. I've also noticed the past month that its now not only the week or two before I'm due for my period (possible link to ovulation) but it's now happening a day or two after my period but not every time... I've been checked out by a gyno recently who couldn't put it down to anything except a potential link to endometriosis if it's during ovulation ... But now that it's happening after my period and isn't linked to ovulation I'm completely baffled! So frustrating because I love running and am really trying to work on improving my running pace :(

I'm sure jamin can offer some insightful advice here given he suffers from the same thing