In many women with sickle cell disease (SCD). during menstruation There is an increase in the number of painful seizures. However, this link between menstruation and sickle cell disease is often overlooked. Therefore, an important reason behind the increase in pain attacks in women is not being noticed.
Most women menstruate every month. But for women with sickle cell disease, menstruation is not just a regular biological experience, it can lead to serious health problems. One of the most common and distressing complications of sickle cell disease is ‘Vaso-Occlusive Crisis’ (VOC), a severe pain attack caused by blockage of blood vessels. Menstruation can be an important factor in triggering such painful attacks. Dr. Vijay Ramanan, Director, Clinical Haematology, Bone Marrow & Stem Cell Transplant, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune has given more information.
What does the study say?
According to various studies, those with sickle cell disease Menstrual cycle About one-third of women and girls experience menstrual cramps. Yet lack of awareness of the link between menstruation and sickle cell pain leads many women to unnecessary suffering and frequent hospital admissions.
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What exactly are the reasons?
There are several biological reasons behind this increased risk. Inflammation in the body during menstruation is a natural process. On the other hand, individuals with sickle cell disease already have chronic inflammation in the body due to the crooked red blood cells. Levels of markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP) can increase during menstruation. This increases the chances of blood vessel blockages and severe pain attacks.
Pain during periods can also make the problem worse. During this period, the body secretes hormone-like substances called ‘prostaglandins’, which initiate uterine contractions. This can cause blood vessels to constrict and slow blood flow. Blood flow is already reduced in sickle cell disease. This increases the possibility of red blood cells sticking to each other and creating blockages in blood vessels. The result is a vicious cycle of pain, inflammation and blockage of blood flow.
Why exactly does this happen?
Bleeding during menstruation is another serious matter. Many women with sickle cell disease already have anemia because red blood cells are destroyed faster than normal. Menstrual bleeding can aggravate anemia. This reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues in the body and can cause problems such as fatigue, weakness, dizziness and reduced ability to perform daily tasks. Some cases may also require urgent medical treatment.
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What are the solutions?
Fortunately, there are effective management options available for this problem. Hormonal treatments, particularly ‘progestin-only’ treatments, can help reduce menstrual bleeding and may also contribute to a reduction in pain attacks. Alternatives such as injections, implants, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) may be helpful for some women. Apart from this, drinking enough water, proper pain management and regular medical consultation are also important.
There is a need for more awareness about the relationship between menstruation and sickle cell disease. It is easier for women, their families and healthcare professionals to take preventive measures if they are aware that menstruation can trigger vaso-occlusive crisis. This may help reduce hospital admissions and improve quality of life for women with sickle cell disease.
