Hormonal
Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use is associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing menstrual cycle symptoms, specifically uterine cramps, in resistance-trained athletes.
If you are a resistance-trained athlete experiencing severe menstrual cramps, hormonal contraceptives (particularly combined oral pills) are statistically associated with a reduction in these symptoms. However, be aware that nearly half of users report unwanted side effects from the contraceptives themselves. Consult a healthcare provider to weigh the benefit of reduced cramping against the risk of HC side effects.
HC use was associated with a lower likelihood of MC symptoms overall (p < .001) with a small effect (effect size = 0.167) and specifically a lower likelihood of cramps (p < .001) with a small (effect size = 0.147).
Why this rating
Based on a large cross-sectional survey (n=809) with statistical significance, but subject to recall bias and self-selection.
Source
Menstrual cycle characteristics, hormonal contraceptive use and perceptions of related effects in resistance-trained athletes
Kimberly SantaBarbara et al. · International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching · 2024
DOI 10.1177/17479541241228986
More from this paper
- Competitive-level resistance-trained athletes are significantly less likely to alter their training load or volume due to menstrual cycle symptoms compared to recreational athletes.Moderate
- Menstrual cycle symptoms are widespread and severe in resistance-trained athletes, with 92% reporting symptoms and 76% reporting cramps, yet MC irregularities are not more common than in the general exercising population.Moderate
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