Experiences of hormonal contraception on sports performance in female athletes

Abstract

Abstract Background: The rising number of female athletes globally highlights the need for research focused on their well being and sports performance. Especially, the hormonal impact on sport performance is understudied. Current literature notes higher use of oral contraceptive pills among female athletes compared to the general population. Despite suggest ed potential effects of hormonal contraception on exercise performance, inconsistent findings and limited evidence necessitate further research. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the different factors influencing the choice of contraceptive methods between endurance strength and combined discipline elite (professional level) female athletes and their effects on sports performances. Methods: A comprehensive questionnaire was developed since no validated questionnaire about the use of hormonal contraceptives methods was found after extensive searching. The questions were focused on contraceptive methods, the influence of the menstrual cycle and contraceptive method on sports performance. The questionnaire was distributed among female athletes through professional networks and social media platforms. Results: 48% of participants performed endurance sports, 38% strength sport and 34 sport in combined disciplines. 79% of the sporters used contraception, mainly 75% hormonal contraception, such as oral contraceptive pill 45 %, hormonal IUD 54% and implant 1 %. The main reasons for hormonal contraception were preventing pregnancy, suffering from heavy blood loss and timing of period. Strength athletes preferred a natural menstrual cycle. Endurance and strength athletes with a hormonal IUD experienced most positive effects on sports performance compared to oral contraception. Conclusion: Based on our findings, it proves challenging to provide a definitive recommendation for different athletes concerning hormonal contraception. Oral contraceptive pills and hormonal IUD are not superior to each other. This emphasizes the need for individualized considerations in selecting and managing contraceptive methods for female athletes.