stomache cramps while running

tracey ingham wrote:

I'm so relieved to find this forum. I am experiencing the same issue: period-like cramps when running. It only happens occasionally, so I haven't been able to detect a pattern. Someone wrote that it occurs a week before her period. I don't track mine, but I will now! I have suspected things like dehydration, coffee, lack of sleep - none of which are consistently present when it happens. I recently read that working out at an anaerobic intensity level can cause the cramps. That seemed plausible because every time the cramps happen, I have just sprinted or ran up a big hill. BUT, it doesn't happen every time I sprint or run up a big hill, so maybe it's a combination of something gynecological and exertion level.

Another person asked about pooping - yes. Almost every time it happens, I end up having to poop, and get some relief from it as well. I am often afraid I will poop in my pants. This fear is not just paranoia. I know the location of bathrooms in every place I run so I can get to one if I need it.

The severity of the cramps varies. Sometimes, I can just walk it off, but other times I'm in more pain than I know how to tolerate. Twice, it has lasted long enough that I wonder if I'm going to have to call someone. Today (the impetus for my google search) the pain lasted 5-6 minutes. There has been no worse pain in my life, and like the woman above, I have had broken bones, surgeries, and physical therapy.

BTW, just for clarification, these are not side stitches. I've had those before, too. And, I'm not taking away from the fact that they hurt, but what I'm describing is on a completely different scale. A side stitch is a bummer. These are 911.

Oh wow! I'm so relieved this isn't just me. I've always suffered from hideous period pains and was so distressed when I started running and found that it brings them on, no matter what time of month it is. Thanks to everybody who has replied to this post, there are some really useful tips. I took this problem to my doctors a couple of years ago, but they could find nothing. As far as I know I don't have endometriosis or a wonky uterus - the specialist I saw at the hospital told me it was a 'hormonal anomaly' and left it at that. I try to take mefanamic acid, which I'm prescribed for period pains, before I go running, but it doesn't always work. This afternoon I spent 10 minutes sitting in the middle of a muddy footpath trying not to be sick with pain. Somebody earlier asked whether anyone experiences bowel movements with this...Yes! It's possibly the worst bit for me. The pain is horrendous, but I know it'll pass, but the panic that I'm going to soil myself is just awful. It's never happened, but I have to get home quickly as soon as I can move again! 

That's exactly what I get!

hi i am back with an update, the pain for me was not just horrendous period pains(i had had them since i was a teenager) it was cysts on my ovaries and very bad endometriosis i have since had a full hysterectomy 3 1/2 months ago so please ladies if you are in any doubts as i was then get things checked out (and in my case i sat in the G.Ps until they saw me as they kept fobbing me off with all sorts of rubbish even INDIGESTION!!!) we know our bodies so listen to them.

What a relief it was to find your post! I've been experiencing the same thing and none of my female running friends could relate. I will try some Omega 3s and taking Advil prior to running. I've been seriously scared about getting these cramps during my upcoming marathon so I'm glad I found your post!

I have the exact same problem, I will try voltaren gel, thanks for the tips. I hope this works for me too!

I am a cross country runner too. It happens to me all the time. The best thing to do is press your hand close to your belly button-(where it hurts) and push up while breathing. It helps!

I have the exact same issue. It feels like really bad period cramps - it starts in my stomach and goes down my legs - this pain and weakness actually takes my breath away - it lasts for about 2 to 3 minutes and I have to stop running because of this pain. At first I thought it was when I was ovulating but now it happens almost every time I go running - this is pretty frustrating because I'm trying to train for the NYC marathon and it slows me down. Please let me know if you have found anything to resolve this issue.

Hii everyone I am so relieved to read all these posts Im 28 and started getting these pains when I run since I was 14, round about the time I started menstruating. I love running and its really holding me back! I have been diagnosed with serious endemetriosis an I have had a surgery to remove a cyst. I also have a tilted uterus. I definitely think all these factors is linked to the intense pain I get. I am going to try your tips and see if it works.

What causes side cramps on the left, front side of my abdomen while running? Also, what can I do to mitigate the effects?

I have an athlete whose stomach has been cramping up during his 800 meter race. Cramps are in the upper center of stomach. How can I help him?