Hormonal contraception for female athletes presents special needs and concerns.
Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care
; 29(1): 8-14, 2024 Feb.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38108091
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
Oral contraceptives (OCs) are commonly used by female athletes raising concerns regarding the possible adverse effects of OCs on physical performance, musculoskeletal injuries, and bone density. We aimed to review all current studies on the physiological effects of OCs in physically active women. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
A review of literature in electronic search in PubMed and Google Scholar databases from December 2002 to December 2022 using relevant keywords. The reference lists of the articles found eligible were also reviewed.RESULTS:
Out of 344 articles in the initial database, 54 clinical studies were eligible for inclusion in our literature review. OCs are used by about two-thirds of female athletes. Current research suggests that OCs' effects on endurance performance and muscle strength are mostly reassuring. OCs do not seem to have a major negative impact on bone health or sports injuries. In fact, new data suggests that they may even significantly reduce the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.CONCLUSIONS:
OCs can be safely used by young female athletes, who may also benefit from better menstrual cycle control. OCs offer newly realised protection from ACL injuries. The use of OCs must be carefully individualised according to their preferences, expectations, and experience.
Hormonal contraception can be safely prescribed to active women. The International Olympic Committee advocates a new and wider definition for the 'athlete triad', where low energy availability presents a special challenge for these athletes. New data suggests that the use of oral contraceptives may protect against ACL injury.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Bases de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Traumatismos en Atletas
/
Lesiones del Ligamento Cruzado Anterior
Límite:
Female
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care
Asunto de la revista:
MEDICINA REPRODUTIVA
/
SERVICOS DE PLANEJAMENTO FAMILIAR
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Israel