Managing Sickle Cell and your Menstrual Cycle
“You will hit puberty later than expected due to your Sickle Cell” – the conversation usually stops there. As children, many of us were not given much information on the signs or possible symptoms to look out for to indicate that the menstrual cycle has begun.
I was about 17 years old when I got my first period – half way through grade 11. Luckily, I was at home. My mom had already prepared me on what to do if I got my period and she wasn’t around.
Getting my first period opened up new doors on what was to come for the rest of my life. Before typical period symptoms, such as bloating, breakouts, or getting very emotional, I was met with a pain crisis in my left leg the night before my period started. For myself, this type of crisis meant I was about to start my cycle. This routine happened for a little while longer before I started getting PMS symptoms.
As I became more in tune with my body, I learned more about what to expect every month dealing with Sickle Cell and period pains. Most months, I experience more pain in my body around the time that my cycle will start. I will be more tired and require more rest than usual. Every body is different.
Here is my advice for people with sickle cell disease who have periods:
Pay close attention to your body and mind around the time your cycle will start – How you feel mentally and physically can impact how you manage your cycle.
Get more rest, use medication if you like, grab a heating pad, and just find comfort in moving slowly
If you’re able to, try some light movements like walking, yoga, or stretching. These exercises help me feel bit better around my time of the month.
If your cycle is stopping you from attending school or work, talk to your health care provider about things that can be done to ease the pain.
As always, remember – dealing with Sickle Cell and your cycle is not easy. Don’t be afraid to go slow and figure out what your body needs.
About the Author
Bethany Morris (She/Her) is a young woman who enjoys advocating, learning, and reading about how to make life for Sickle Cell patients more manageable. She currently has her ECE, BA in Sociology and working towards pursing higher education. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and implementing self care practices into her life to ease the stress of managing chronic pain. She also enjoys writing and making posts to share with others on how to live life more easily with Sickle Cell. You can check out her tumblr and IG page.
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