Can running exacerbate endo symptoms?

[Doves76]

Hi ladies

I was diagnosed with Stage IV Endo 21 years ago. In the last year I did the Coach to 5k training and now run 5k twice a week. I find the running really makes a difference to my outlook and I enjoy it, although lately I noticed I have been bloated after the run and have in pain in my abdomen. In the last two months I have had shorter cycles than usual - 20 days instead of 28 and prolonged pain - 10 days - which is much more severe and worse than previous months - stabbing pain in left thigh, bowel and lower back pain, womb on fire etc I have a Mirena Coil and have enjoyed months last year where I didn't even notice the period coming. We are moving house at the moment so wondering if that could be making a difference. Does anyone have any experience of running and Endo?

[123happym]

Hi I guess it's worth getting your coil checked just in case it's moved. Stress affects endo/bowels/adrenal glands so that could also be adding to it all. Also worth chatting to your GP re endo as if it could be flaring up then you ideally need to get it checked out and treated if necessary.

I left mine too long/didn't make enough fuss early enough.

Hope the move goes well.

[Doves76 in reply to 123happym]

Thank you. Yes, have to face the prospect of new GP. Will call them tomorrow. Thank you for the nudge. Here we go again .........

[Libbyjane88]

Hi Doves76,

I have have been diagnosed with endo for a few years now , I had surgery in July 2017 my endo has recently comeback with a vengeance and now when I try and do any kind of excersise , or even do more walking and movement than usual I get all of the symptoms you described , my stomach / womb / pelvis literally feel like the are burning , . My tummy swells up and i to get the groin pain , I have to take pain killers and rest . I have made a note of my symptoms and I have definitely noticed I get a flare up of pain etc after physical activity mainly after walking on hard ground like concrete for a while c I hope this helps xx

[Doves76 in reply to Libbyjane88]

Hi Libbyjane88. Thanks for letting me know. A good reminder I am not alone. I'm sorry to hear you are in a tough phase at the moment. I hope it eases soon. Xx

[PaoPetite]

I had severe endo stage 4 for! It has been removed two months ago and I really hope it takes longer to come back this time! Last time endo cane back after 8 months of being removed... I will only talk for my own experience any sort of work out gave me flare ups regardless the time of the month! I have fainted more than once after running or taking part on any sort of excersie 😞! I have put on 8kg and it is a burden to see myself in the mirror and see the massive change on my appearance and the devastating psychological damage that endo has caused! So excersie walking moving anything like that didn’t work because I ended up screaming with excruciating pain.. but that has been my case .... all bodies are different and react to endo in different ways..

all the best xx

[Doves76 in reply to PaoPetite]

Gosh PaoPetite, that sounds miserable. And we are told so much that exercise is meant to help us! I hope you get a break from the pain for a good amount of time . xxx

[PaoPetite in reply to Doves76]

Well it didn’t help me at all... the last six months before my surgery I was in such agony that I hardly left my bed... but as I said previously our bodies are unique and react to the same disease in a different way! Some women don’t even have any sort of symptoms and others like me had all the symptoms at once! The specialist found endometriosis even in my kidneys! that’s how severe it was... so maybe for some women exercise helps and for others triggers the pain and the flare ups! Is all about getting to know your body and symptoms. Xxx

[Ugne]

Hi Doves76,

Personally, i enjoy jogging and don't feel in pain afterwards. I hope your pain and bloating is a temporary reaction.

Take care x

Ugne

[Doves76 in reply to Ugne]

Thanks Ugne. I need to see the GP now I'm on day 10 of pain, but part of me knows it can be such a long process to start the referrals etc. Ugh. It really beat me today. Maybe not tomorrow. Thanks for your reply. x