Researchers have found a potential explanation for the increased pain that women with sickle cell disease may suffer during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
The researchers at the University of Pennsylvania say they are the first to conduct a detailed study of the link between menstrual cycles and inflammation.
The research, published in Blood Vessels, Thrombosis & Hemostasis, shows that C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker linked to inflammation, can increase significantly during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.
The researchers compared 13 samples from female patients and 18 from male patients. The study found a strong cycle of changes in CRP levels during the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle....
8 days ago
