The Connection Between Menstruation and Sickle Cell Pain
Experts don’t fully understand the connection between sickle cell pain and menstruation. But they think the link may come from blood loss, inflammation, stress, and changing hormone levels.
Follicular Phase Inflammation Triggers
A recent study found that sickle cell pain crises are more common during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (days 1 to 14), says Marc Kahn, MD, a hematologist and the chief of hematology at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada in Las Vegas.
“During this time period, there are elevations in a marker of inflammation, C-reactive protein,” says Dr. Kahn, who adds that this protein may cause sickled cells to get trapped in blood vessels, which causes pain.
Hormone Fluctuations and Sickling
“There is a sharp decline in progesterone just before menstruation, which is what prompts bleeding (menstruation) to occur,” says Van Doren, and this progesterone plunge may be a trigger for a sickle cell pain crisis.
Period Stress: Mental and Physical
Stress can trigger sickle cell pain crises, and your period can be a stressful time. Besides mental distress, menstruation can also put extra stress on your blood vessels, which can increase your risk of pain during your period.
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