Pain crises are a primary feature of sickle cell disease, triggering pain when crescent-shaped blood cells block the flow of oxygen to tissues. Now, a new study finds that these crises may be exacerbated by hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle.
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of genetic disorders that result in red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body, having an abnormal, sickle-like shape. This can result in anemia, increased risk of infection and organ damage.
