That Time Of The Month As a Sickle Cell Warrior

Good day, ladies. It’s a sunny afternoon here, and I hope we’re all doing great. Happy new month!

Today, I’ll be sharing how menstruation affects me as a sickle cell warrior and some of the hacks that have helped me manage it better over the years.

It’s that time of the month again, one I honestly dread. It often leaves me weak, pale, and feeling like I have to start all over again for the next month's cycle. It’s draining and overwhelming altogether.

We all experience menstruation differently. Some women have cramps, others don’t. It’s always a rush of emotions and hormones flying up and down.

However, for female sickle cell warriors like me, it can be a completely different experience. There are peculiar challenges we face during our monthly flow. Not every warrior goes through the same thing, but many of us can relate.

For me, menstruation used to be a major trigger for pain crises. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve learned how to manage myself better and reduce the monthly drama.

Every month, many female warriors experience both menstrual pain and sickle cell pain crises at the same time, and it’s honestly ridiculous.

Why Does This Happen?

First of all, as individuals with sickle cell disorder, our red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, have a significantly shorter lifespan. Instead of living for 90–120 days like healthy red blood cells, ours last only 10–20 days. This means we constantly break down and replace red blood cells, leaving many of us anaemic and fatigued.

During menstruation, blood loss worsens the anaemia, especially for those with heavy flow, and this can easily trigger a crisis.

Dehydration is another factor. Menstrual blood loss can cause dehydration, making the blood thicker and causing the sickled red cells to break down more quickly, creating another recipe for crisis. I’ve learned to drink lots of water a few days before and during my period because I get very dehydrated around that time and also very thirsty.

Image from Meta AI

Hormonal changes during menstruation can also affect blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of a crisis. Add the stress and fatigue that come with the flow, and you have another trigger. It leaves me weak, drained, and tired—a feeling I genuinely dislike.

Inflammation also plays a significant role. Many sickle cell warriors deal with chronic inflammation, and this tends to increase during menstruation, leading to more pain. To make matters worse, menstrual cramps often overlap with sickle cell pain crises, making pain management difficult.

As a teenage warrior, I suffered this combination every single month. It was tough; the pain crises always came right alongside my period. I endured it for years until I began to understand my body better and learned what works for me.

Hacks That Work for Me

1. Stay Hydrated:
   When I noticed my monthly flow was a trigger, I made sure to double my water intake a few days before and during my period. I hydrate intentionally. A quick tip to check if you're well hydrated: look at the colour of your eyes or urine. If your urine is yellowish, you need to drink more water.

2. Eat Well:
   During this time, I pay more attention to my nutrition. I eat foods rich in iron and vitamins that help my body make blood and prevent anaemia, as much as possible.

1. Rest, Don’t Push:
   I don’t force my body when it’s tired. Like today, I spent half of the day in bed because my body wouldn’t cooperate. I felt too fatigued. So I rested. I also had a mild crisis two days ago after participating in a church fasting program, so rest is non-negotiable.

2. My Special Tea:
   Over the years, I have discovered that ginger tea, especially my favourite blend of lemongrass, ginger, and cloves, works wonders. Its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help with inflammation and stress. I had a big cup earlier today, and it always helps. Trust me.

1. Don’t Skip Medications:
   A few days before my period, if I haven’t been consistent with my routine meds (mainly folic acid), I get back on track immediately. Lol, I know I need that extra folate support during this time. Routine meds can be very tiring, so honestly, sometimes, I forget them somewhere. Lol

2. Stay Comfortable:
   I keep my room well-ventilated and comfortable. I avoid extreme temperatures because they can trigger pain, too. Both heat and cold can be triggers, depending on the individual. However, for me, heat is a bigger trigger than cold. I manage in cold weather better than in the heat.

1. Distraction Therapy:
   This is my “movies and chill” period, Lol. Since I can’t do much physically, I relax, take my pain meds, and distract myself with movies. It helps me take my mind off the discomfort.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.
If you’re a fellow warrior reading this, I hope my experience and helpful tips are beneficial to you as well. You can share yours, too, in the comments. Cheers