Birth control shot may cut sickle cell pain, new trial hopes
NCT ID NCT06665997
First seen Jan 19, 2026 · Last updated Jun 23, 2026 · Updated 21 times
Summary
This study tests whether the birth control shot Depo-Provera can reduce painful sickle cell episodes in women. Sixty-five women with sickle cell disease who have frequent pain will be monitored for 3 months without the shot, then for 3 months after receiving it. Researchers will compare pain frequency and blood markers to see if the hormone helps.
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Emory University
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGAtlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new way to reduce painful sickle cell crises in women, using a widely available contraceptive.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with no control group, so results may not be conclusive. The hormone may also have side effects like weight gain or mood changes.
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.