Study Finds Menstruation Triggers Increased Pain, ER Visits for Women with Sickle Cell Disease

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A recent nationwide study from UC San Francisco reveals a significant link between menstrual cycles and increased pain, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations for women and girls living with sickle cell disease (SCD). The research, published in JAMA Network Open, found that 64% of the 211 female SCD patients surveyed experienced sickle cell-related pain during their periods, with many requiring frequent medical intervention.

Why it matters

This study highlights an often overlooked aspect of sickle cell disease, which disproportionately impacts women compared to men. Understanding the connection between menstruation and SCD-related health issues is crucial for improving care and quality of life for this patient population. However, the research also found that over 80% of participants were not using birth control medication, and nearly a quarter had never discussed reproductive health treatments with their healthcare providers.

The details

The study, which included patients from 13 SCD centers across 11 states, found that 44% of those experiencing menstrual-related pain had one to three emergency department visits, and 19.1% had four or more, over a six-month period. Beyond pain, the research also noted that 24.6% of participants experienced abnormal uterine bleeding, which was associated with a higher rate of hospitalizations. Researchers are now advocating for routine menstrual history screenings as part of standard sickle cell care, in order to identify women at risk and connect them with appropriate reproductive health treatments.

• The study was published in JAMA Network Open in February 2026.

What’s next

Researchers are now advocating for routine menstrual history screenings as part of standard sickle cell care, in order to identify women at risk and connect them with appropriate reproductive health treatments.