Review, 1999
Does the birth control pill help female athletes manage PMS and other health issues?
The birth control pill may help athletes control PMS symptoms and menstrual bleeding and may improve athletic performance. Effects on bone health and injury prevention are unclear, and individual responses vary.
What they did
Literature review examining studies on the pill's effects on bone health, soft tissue injury, performance, and menstrual symptoms in female athletes.
What they found
Female athletes use the pill mainly for contraception, with secondary benefits of cycle control and PMS reduction. Effects on bone density are mixed across studies. The pill may reduce PMS symptoms and menstrual bleeding and may enhance athletic performance. Weight gain concerns with modern lower-dose pills are not well supported by research.
What it means for you
The birth control pill may be beneficial for managing PMS in female athletes, though results vary across studies and individual women respond differently. Overall benefits appear to outweigh disadvantages, but women should be counseled about individual responses.
About the study
- Original title
- The oral contraceptive pill: a revolution for sportswomen?
- Authors
- Bennell K, White S, Crossley K
- Journal
- British journal of sports medicine
- Year
- 1999
- Study design
- Review
- What was tested
- Oral contraceptive pill
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.33.4.231
Topics
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