Q:
Every month when I get my period I normally get cramps for the first couple of days. I also run every day and have noticed that for a few days before I even get my period I get horrible stomach pains whenever I run. It makes it hard to even walk and I was wondering if there was anything I could do to prevent this from happening and still be able to run.
A:
This is not typical of dymenorrhea (painful cramps during menses). Assuming your "stomach pains" while running are actually pelvic area discomfort, there are a variety of things that could cause this, including ovarian cysts, infections, and endometriosis (endometrial tissue that is located in areas it does not belong.)
The best thing to do is to have a complete pelvic exam, with cultures and possibly a pelvic ultrasound, particularly during the few days before your period is due to see if there are anatomical reasons for the discomfort. If all looks fine, then a trial of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen or naproxen, taken regularly for the week before you expect your menses, might help with the exercise related discomfort.
~The Doc
