The Effect of the Menstrual Cycle and Oral Contraceptive Cycle on Muscle Performance and Perceptual Measures.

Belinda M Thompson,Rhiannon J Stellmaker,Kaitlyn B Drover,Dean V Sculley,Xanne A K Janse De Jonge

doi:10.3390/ijerph182010565

Abstract

Most reproductive-aged women are exposed to fluctuating female steroid hormones due to the menstrual cycle or oral contraceptive use. This study investigated the potential effect of the menstrual cycle and combined monophasic oral contraceptive cycle on various aspects of muscle performance. Thirty active females (12 with a natural menstrual cycle, 10 taking a high-androgenicity oral contraceptive and 8 taking a low-androgenicity oral contraceptive), aged 18 to 30 years, were tested three times throughout one menstrual or oral contraceptive cycle. Counter-movement jumps, bilateral hop jumps, handgrip strength, isometric knee extensor strength and isokinetic knee flexion and extension were assessed. Perceptual ratings of fatigue, muscle soreness, pain and mood were recorded. Most variables showed no significant changes over the menstrual or oral contraceptive cycle. However, for the menstrual cycle group, isokinetic knee flexion at 240° s−1, and time of flight in bilateral hopping and counter movement jumps showed better results during the mid-luteal phase compared with the late follicular phase. For the high-androgenicity oral contraceptive group, isokinetic knee flexion at 240° s−1 was significantly higher in the late hormone phase compared with the early hormone phase. For the low-androgenicity oral contraceptive group, time of flight for the counter-movement jumps was lower in the late hormone phase compared with the early hormone phase. The findings indicate that faster and explosive aspects of muscle performance may be influenced by endogenous and exogenous female hormones.

Highlights

An important consideration for female athletes is the potential influence of fluctuating levels of endogenous ovarian hormones throughout the menstrual cycle (MC) on performance
To address the conflicting findings and gaps in the research to date, this study aims to evaluate the potential effect of the MC and the monophasic Oral contraceptives (OC) cycle with both high and low androgenicity on various aspects of muscle performance, including fast and explosive measures, in combination with perceptual measures
The OC formulations taken by the low-androgenicity group varied, with levels of estradiol ranging between 30 μg and 35 μg, combined with one of three different progestins

Summary

Introduction

An important consideration for female athletes is the potential influence of fluctuating levels of endogenous ovarian hormones throughout the menstrual cycle (MC) on performance. The influence of exogenous hormones from various contraceptive methods should be considered. Oral contraceptives (OC) suppress the natural fluctuations of estrogen and progesterone through the administration of exogenous hormones. The combined monophasic OC is the most used; the chemical formulations vary considerably among the different types. The contemporary combined OC contain an estrogen component paired with one of eight progestins [1]. The progestin agents vary in terms of their potency, androgenicity and interactions with estrogens [2]. Androgenicity denotes the progestin’s ability to produce masculine characteristics and may have implications for muscle strength and function [3]. Newer progestins often reduce the androgenic effects of OC, whereas older progestins derived from testosterone have an increased androgenic effect [4]

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