This is for my female warriors…
I understand that many times, the menstrual cycle is not just a monthly inconvenience—it can be a battlefield. The body is already fighting one war and then another begins.
Menstrual cramps alone can be intense. But when combined with a sickle cell crisis, it is overwhelming. It feels like your body is asking more from you than you have to give.
And in those moments, it’s not just the pain you feel. It is the exhaustion. It is the frustration.
The silent question: “How much more can my body take?”
Understanding what’s happening in your body
During your menstrual cycle, your body releases hormones (like prostaglandins) that cause the uterus to contract—this is what leads to cramps.
For someone living with Sickle Cell Disease, these changes can sometimes trigger or worsen a crisis due to increased inflammation, dehydration, hormonal fluctuations, stress on the body.
So if you find yourself experiencing both (cramps and crisis) at the same time, you understand this in a way words can barely hold.
How to hold yourself through it
Not every day is for strength. Some days are for softness.
1) Lean into rest
Let yourself pause without guilt. This is not the time to “push through.” Your body is doing double work, honor that. Cancel plans if you need to. Slow down. Lie down.
Rest is not weakness. It is wisdom.
2) Hydrate like it matters (Because it does)
Even when you don’t feel like it—sip water slowly. Water is not optional during this time. Hydration is crucial for preventing or easing a crisis. Think of it as part of your treatment, not just a habit. Warm drinks can help soothe both your body and your mind. Think of it as supporting your body from the inside out.
3) Comfort your body gently
Use warmth. Wrap yourself up.
A heating pad or warm compress can help ease menstrual cramps and relax your muscles.
Even a warm bath (if accessible) can provide some relief and calm your system.
4) Follow your prescribed pain management plan
Take your medications as advised by your healthcare provider. Don’t try to “endure” severe pain unnecessarily. You deserve relief.
5) Eat light but nourishing foods
When pain is intense, heavy meals can feel like too much. Try out warm, soft meals, Iron-rich foods (if tolerated) and other foods that are easy to digest.
6) Create a space that feels safe
Let your body feel cared for, not fought against. Dim the lights, wrap yourself in a blanket, play calming music. Your environment can either add to your stress or soothe you—choose softness where you can.
Being kind to yourself in these moments
This part matters just as much as the physical care. When pain lingers, it’s easy to become frustrated with yourself but this is where you must choose compassion.
Release self-blame
You did not cause this. Not by what you ate, not by what you did or didn’t do. Some days are simply heavier than others.
Allow yourself to feel without judgment
It’s okay to feel tired. It’s okay to feel frustrated.
It’s okay to cry. Resilience is not pretending you’re fine. It is allowing yourself to feel and still choosing to care for yourself anyway.
Redefining strength
Strength is not: Pushing through unbearable pain just to “keep up.”
Strength is: Taking your medication, choosing rest, saying “I need help”, being patient with your healing.
That is real power.
A gentle reminder
To every female sickle cell warrior reading this:
I know and I understand this struggle because I go through it myself. You are not dramatic for feeling overwhelmed and you don’t have to fight everything at once. Just take it one moment, one sip of water, one breath at a time.
You’ve made it through before and you will make it through again and again!
You are not alone in this experience.
A Note to You
On the days when your period and crisis collide…
Give yourself permission to:
Slow down
Feel deeply
Receive care
Be human
You are not weak for needing support.
You are wise for honoring your limits.