Sickle Cell

Sickle cell disease is a serious health condition that runs in families and can shorten life. In the United States, it affects more people who are black or African-American than other racial or ethnic groups.1 Sickle cell disease, sometimes called sickle cell anemia, causes episodes or crises of intense pain. It can also cause pregnancy problems and other serious health problems throughout life. Treatment can lower the chance of complications and lengthen life.

Sickle cell disease is a group of red blood cell disorders that are passed down from your parents. This means that it is a genetic disease, and you are born with it.2

People with sickle cell disease have some red blood cells that are shaped like a "sickle" or crescent, instead of round. Normal, round red blood cells are flexible enough to move through blood vessels to carry oxygen to the body. Sickle-shaped red blood cells can stick to each other inside blood vessels, blocking blood flow and causing pain and problems in many different parts of the body. People with sickle cell disease also have fewer red blood cells, because sickle cells die sooner than normal red blood cells. Over time, blocked blood flow and lack of oxygen can cause serious health problems and organ damage.2

People who have sickle cell trait may be at a slightly higher risk of:

  • Kidney disease

  • Blood clots, especially in the lungs (called pulmonary embolism)

  • Sudden death from very intense exercise12,13


People with sickle cell trait can pass the gene that causes sickle cell disease on to their children. If a mother and a father both have sickle cell trait, there is a 1 in 4 chance that both sickle cell genes will be passed on and their child will have sickle cell disease.2

In the United States, it is most common among people who are black or African-American. About 1 out of every 365 black or African-American newborns has sickle cell disease.



Sickle cell disease can cause unique problems in women. In addition to the major complications of sickle cell disease, if you are a woman with sickle cell disease, you may also have:

  • Delayed puberty18

  • More pain crises during the years you have your period and before and during your period18

  • Increased sickle cell disease complications during pregnancy19

  • Problems during pregnancy for you and for your baby20

  • Problems getting pregnant due to sickle cell disease treatments21

  • Pain during sex22

How does sickle cell disease affect the menstrual cycle?

Sickle cell disease is different in every person, but women and girls may experience unique complications.

  • Delayed puberty. Girls who have sickle cell anemia may get their period about 2 years later than girls who do not have sickle cell anemia, while those with milder types of sickle cell disease may have less of a delay.18

  • More pain crises before and during your period. Many women experience more pain crises just before and during their period.42 This may be caused by changes in hormone levels. Hormonal treatment such as progesterone injections may help.18

  • Heavy periods. Many women with sickle cell disease do not have heavy periods. But, if you have heavy periods, heavy bleeding may increase your risk of iron-deficiency anemia. Doctors often prescribe birth control pills to lessen heavy menstrual bleeding.18 But not all birth control pills are OK for women with sickle cell disease due to a higher risk of stroke. Talk to your doctor or nurse about progesterone-only birth control. Birth control with progesterone combined with estrogen may increase your risk of stroke.

How does sickle cell disease affect older women?

Older women are more likely to have chronic pain but may have fewer pain crises than younger women. Researchers think that older women with sickle cell disease are also more likely to have organ and tissue damage, which causes complications. Sickle cell disease complications that may be more common in older women include:43

  • Pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in the lungs

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • High levels of iron in the blood because of many blood transfusions in the past. High levels of iron can cause liver disease, heart problems, organ failure, and cancer.

  • Leg ulcers or open sores

  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs




Sources: Sickle cell disease | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)

Sickle cell disease | Office on Women's Health (womenshealth.gov)