Effect Of Hormonal Contraceptive Use Research Articles

The Effect of Hormonal Contraceptive use on Breast Milk Production in Breastfeeding Mothers at Meurah Mulia Health Center, North Aceh Regency

This study aims to determine the effect of using hormonal contraception on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers at the Meurah Mulia Health Center, North Aceh Regency in 2023. The research was conducted with a retrospective case-control design. The results of the analysis show that the use of hormonal contraception has a significant effect on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers (p=0.017; OR=2.269), where mothers who use hormonal contraception are twice as likely to have less breast milk production compared to mothers who use non-hormonal contraception. In conclusion, this research shows that there is an influence of the use of hormonal contraception on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers, so it is recommended that health services provide sufficient information to women who want to use contraception, especially women who are breastfeeding, regarding the effect of contraception on breast milk production.

Effect of Menstrual Cycle Phase and Hormonal Contraceptives on Resting Metabolic Rate and Body Composition.

The cyclical changes in sex hormones across the menstrual cycle (MC) are associated with various biological changes that may alter resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body composition estimates. Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use must also be considered given their impact on endogenous sex hormone concentrations and synchronous exogenous profiles. The purpose of this study was to determine if RMR and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates change across the MC and differ compared with HC users. This was accomplished during a 5-week training camp involving naturally cycling athletes (n = 11) and HC users (n = 7 subdermal progestin implant, n = 4 combined monophasic oral contraceptive pill, n = 1 injection) from the National Rugby League Indigenous Women's Academy. MC phase was retrospectively confirmed via serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations and a positive ovulation test. HC users had serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations assessed at the time point of testing. Results were analyzed using general linear mixed model. There was no effect of MC phase on absolute RMR (p = .877), relative RMR (p = .957), or dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates (p > .05). There was no effect of HC use on absolute RMR (p = .069), relative RMR (p = .679), or fat mass estimates (p = .766), but HC users had a greater fat-free mass and lean body mass than naturally cycling athletes (p = .028). Our findings suggest that RMR and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry body composition estimates do not significantly differ due to changes in sex hormones in a group of athletes, and measurements can be compared between MC phases or with HC usage without variations in sex hormones causing additional noise.

Effects of hormonal contraceptives on lipid profile among women attending family planning unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities, Bale, Southeast Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study

BackgroundHormonal contraceptives are a widely used contraceptive method for the prevention of pregnancy in women. It is associated with change in lipid profile which results in congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, angina, deep vein thrombosis and stroke which are the major cause of premature death. We aim to investigate the effects of hormonal contraceptive use on lipid profile among women attending family planning unit in Goba Town Public Health Facilities.MethodsA comparative cross-sectional study design was conducted on 93 hormonal contraceptive users and 93 non-users’ women in Goba Town Public Health Facilities from September to November, 2022. Blood samples for the estimation of TC, TG, HDL-c and LDL-c levels were collected. Student's independent t-test was used to compare the results of lipid profiles. One-way ANOVA was used to identify the variation of lipid profile between progestin only pills, DMPA and implant users. Simple linear regression was used to determine the change in lipid profiles in relation to the duration of hormonal contraceptive use. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.ResultThe mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c was significantly increases in hormonal contraceptive users in comparison with non-users. The mean serum level TC, TG, LDL-c and HDL-c was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c in implanon users was lower than DMPA and POP users. As the duration of DMPA and POP use increases, the serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased. But, the serum level of HDL-c was significantly decreased. LDL-c was significantly increased with the duration of implanon use.ConclusionThe mean serum level of TC, TG and LDL-c were significantly increased among hormonal contraceptive users. The mean serum level of lipid profile was significantly different between DMPA, implanon and POP users. The serum level of TC, TG, LDL-c were directly proportional to the duration of DMPA and POP use. Routine evaluation of lipid profiles is advisable before and after initiation of hormonal contraceptives.

Meta-Analysis: Effects of Hormonal Contraceptive Use and History of Sexually Transmitted Disease on the Risk of Cervical Cancer

Background: Cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) with the fourth largest number of new cases and deaths worldwide. This study aimed to analyze the effects of the use of hormonal contraception and a history of STD on the risk of cervical cancer in women. Subjects and Method: The meta-analysis was carried out using the PRISMA flowchart and the PICO model. Population: women of reproductive age. Intervention: use of hormonal contraception and history of sexually transmitted infections Comparison: not using hormonal contraception and history of sexually transmitted infections Outcome: Cervical Cancer. The process of searching for articles is by searching through online journal databases which include Google Scholar, Elsevier and PubMed. With keywords “oral pill” OR “1 month injection” OR “3 month injection” OR “implant” OR “hormonal contraception” AND “cervical cancer” OR “syphilis” OR “chlamydia” OR “herpes” OR “gonorrhea” OR ”HIV” AND “Sexually transmitted infections” AND “Cross sectional” AND aOR. Articles were selected using the PRISMA flow and data analysis using the Review Manager 5.3 application. Results: This meta-analysis consisted of 12 articles from Africa and Asia . The total sample was 8,240. The use of hormonal contraception (aOR = 2.34; 95% CI= 1.83 to 4.66; p<0.001) and had history of STD (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI = 1.49 to 2.61; p<0.001) increased the risk of cervical cancer. Conclusion: The use of hormonal contraception and has history of std increase the risk of cervical cancer. Keywords: hormonal contraception, history of sexually transmitted infections, cervical cancer. Correspondence: Siti Damayanti. Master’s Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret. Jl. Ir Sutami No.36, Kentingan, Jebres, Surakarta 57126, Central Java, Indonesia. Email: Sitidamayanti269@gmail.­com.

Hormonal Contraceptive Use Is Associated With a Decreased Incidence of Hypothyroidism

ObjectiveHypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting 5 to 10 times more women than men. Given this higher incidence in women, it is possible that hormonal differences or medications more commonly used by women may play a role in the risk of developing hypothyroidism. We hypothesized that hormonal contraception affects the risk of developing hypothyroidism. MethodsUsing the TriNetX database, we developed a case-control study and identified women aged 18 to 45 years in 4 distinct groups: (1) estrogen-progestin contraceptive (EPC) use, (2) progestin-only contraceptive (POC) use, (3) progestin-containing intrauterine device (IUD) use, and (4) controls. For each group, we ascertained data including the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, alcohol use, tobacco use, and body mass index. ResultsWe identified 18 578 patients with sufficient data: EPC use, n = 5849; POC use, n = 5052; IUD use, n = 1000; and controls, n = 6677. A total of 118 individuals (1.8%) in the control group and 165 individuals (1.4%) who received hormonal contraception developed hypothyroidism. After using a logistic model to account for cofounding variables, all forms of hormonal contraception (EPC, POC, and IUD) had a protective effect against the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. POC and IUD uses had the greatest protective effect, with odds ratios of 0.14 and 0.12, respectively. EPC had a less pronounced but still significant effect, with an odds ratio of 0.30 (P < .001). ConclusionThis study of >18 000 women and the risk of developing hypothyroidism demonstrates a protective effect of hormonal contraceptive use. Our data, both unadjusted and adjusted using a logistic model to account for cofounding variables, suggest that the use of hormonal contraception, in any form, decreases the risk of developing hypothyroidism.

The Effect of Using Hormonal Contraception on the Incidence of Breast Cancer

Cancer is a cell that has lost its normal control and mechanism, resulting in irregular growth. Cancer can occur from various tissues in various organs in line with the growth and development of cancer cells - cancer cells form a mass of malignant tissue that infiltrates nearby tissues and can spread (mentastasis) throughout the body. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hormonal contraceptive use on the incidence of breast cancer in patients at Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo Ujung Pandang Hospital Makassar. This research method is observational research with case control study design. Where case control is an analytic study that concerns how risk factors are studied using a retrospective approach. The results obtained Odds ratio value = 0.75. In addition, it was also obtained a lower limit value of 0.36% and an upper limit value of 1.38 at a 95% confidence level (95% C1). Conclusion that the use of hormonal contraceptive is not an influence on the incidence of breast cancer (large OR: 0.42 with a lower limit value of 0.17 and an Upper limit value of 2.50) is a protective factor for the incidence of breast cancer.

Investigating the effect of hormonal contraceptive use on salivary cortisol response to a CO2 challenge

Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use has been associated with many physiological effects, such as blunted cortisol stress responses, when compared to naturally cycling (NC) women. However, no previous studies comparing these groups have utilized a CO2 challenge to induce stress. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to use a CO2 challenge to compare cortisol stress reactivity in women using HC relative to NC women. While this task has been previously used to induce panic, few studies have assessed its effects on cortisol, especially as it relates to HC use. Thirty-five women (19 current HC users,16 self-reported NC women) were assessed in the lab. Participants had a mean age of 25.2 years and were 74.3% White. A 35% CO2 challenge was used to provoke a stress response. Saliva samples were collected to measure cortisol (1 pre-stress baseline sample, 5 post-stress samples). Linear mixed effects modeling was used to examine whether there was a significant increase in cortisol following the challenge. There were no group differences in baseline cortisol (b = -.0117, p =.801), however, there was a significant difference in cortisol responses from baseline, with NC women having a more robust cortisol response (linear effect, b=.0065, p=.001; quadratic effect, b=-.0001, p<.001). Results are consistent with previous research demonstrating a more blunted cortisol response to a laboratory-based stressor among individuals using HC. In contrast, participants in the NC group displayed greater post-stress peak cortisol levels and a clear down-regulatory response.

Baseline Computerized Neurocognitive Testing and Oculomotor Measures are not Altered by Hormonal Contraceptive Use.

Neurocognitive testing and oculomotor assessment have been an integral component to provide objective measures for sport-related concussion (SRC) detection and management. Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use is common among collegiate female athletes and may modify baseline SRC performance. The purpose was to examine the effects of HC use on baseline computerized neurocognitive testing (CNT) and oculomotor testing in college-aged individuals. A total of 63 participants (22 HC using females, 22 non-HC using females, 19 males) completed a baseline SRC battery consisting of CNT, near point of convergence (NPC), and the King-Devick (KD) test. CNT measures were composite scores of verbal and visual memory, visual motor processing speed and reaction time, impulse control, and cognitive efficiency index (CEI). NPC was measured as the average convergence distance across three trials. KD time was recorded as total time for each of the two trials and best trial marked as baseline. There were no group differences between HC, non-HC, and male control groups on all baseline CNT composite scores (p = .13-.98), impulse control (p = .47), and CEI (p = .49). NPC distance was similar between groups (p = .41), as well as KD time by trial (Trial 1 p = .65; 2 p = .48) and best time (p = .49). HC use does not appear to influence baseline SRC measures of neurocognition and oculomotor assessment. Clinicians should continue to consider the effects of modifying factors at baseline and post-concussion. Additional research is needed to better understand sex hormone levels and SRC performance measures.

The effects of hormonal contraceptive use on sleep in women: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hormonal contraceptives are some of the most widely used medications worldwide, but studies on their effects on sleep are contradictory, with some reporting a sleep-promoting effect, while others a sleep-inhibiting effect. Our objective was, therefore, to undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on this subject to try to clarify their effects. A search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science). Only studies evaluating hormonal contraception use were considered eligible, and both objective and subjective sleep-related outcomes were considered. Individual effect size was calculated for each article, and meta-analyses were performed using a DerSimonian and Laird random effects method. The initial search identified 2076 articles, of which 13 met the criteria for the study after full text evaluation. A total of 33 meta-analyses were performed, three of them related to subjective measures and 30 considering data from polysomnography. The only statistically significant result between contraceptive users and non-contraceptive users was observed in respect of wake after sleep onset, which was 7min shorter among contraceptive users (-7.12 [-12.80; -1.44]; I2 = 65%; p=0.01). In conclusion, hormonal contraceptives are not associated with clinically relevant changes in sleep patterns in women.

Hormonal contraceptive influences on cognition and psychopathology: Past methods, present inferences, and future directions

In the last decade, there has been a remarkable surge in research on the neural and behavioral correlates of hormonal contraceptive use, particularly oral contraceptive use. Questions have evolved swiftly and notably, with studies no longer revealing if hormonal contraceptives matter for the brain and behavior, but rather how, when, and for whom they matter most. Paralleling this shift, the goal of this review is to move beyond an average synthesis of hormonal contraceptive influences on human cognition and psychopathology (and their neural substrates) in order to consider the nature and specificity of effects. Accompanied by an evaluation of study methods and informed by findings from animal models, this consideration uncovers promising areas of research in the next ten years, including potential activational and organizational effects of hormonal contraceptive use, individual differences in effects that matter for the wellbeing of unique individuals, and correlates of intrauterine device use.

Unwanted Sexual Activity History and Relationship Status Predict Sexual Side Effects of Hormonal Contraception Use

ABSTRACT Introduction Hormonal contraceptives (HC) have both nonsexual side effects (e.g, weight gain, headaches, nausea, acne) and sexual side effects (e.g., changes in sexual desire, lubrication, and pleasure) (Smith et al., 2014). Psychosocial factors may contribute to who experiences different kinds of side effect experiences; women reporting mood side effects of HC are more likely to be unmarried, while women reporting sexual side effects tend to be younger and have more education, (Wiebe et al., 2011). However, little is known about these side effects in college-aged women, and to date limited work has examined how experiencing unwanted sexual activity history influences women's reporting of HC side effects. Objective To identify characteristics of women who report sexual vs. nonsexual side effects of hormonal contraceptive use. Methods We surveyed 818 emerging adult women (mean age 19.88, SD = 2.60) in the Southeastern and Midwestern US. Participants reported their lifetime history of HC use, mental health disorders, unwanted sexual activity, and age of sexual debut, as well as current relationship status. Those who reported ever taking HC indicated if they had ever experienced sexual effects and/or non-sexual effects from a list of 16 items. Using a multivariate general linear model with logit link, we examined predictors of reporting sexual vs. non-sexual side effects among women who reported any history of using HC. Results 543 women (66.4%) reported ever using HC. Of the women reporting lifetime HC use, 72% reported a history of any nonsexual side effect, while 28% reported experiencing a sexual side effect, (specifically, changes in sexual desire). Of the 152 women who reported changes in sexual desire, 87 (55%; 16% of total HC users) reported lower desire, while 65 (42%; 12% total HC users) reported higher desire, and 2 reported both.History of unwanted sexual activity and relationship status significantly predicted both sexual and non-sexual side effect reporting. Specifically, women who reported a history of unwanted sex were 3.04x more likely to report decreased desire with HC use, relative to women without such history. Similarly, women who were partnered were 1.86x more likely to report decreased desire, relative to single women. Increased desire was not predicted by any psychosocial factor. Neither mental health history nor age of first sexual relationship were associated with the likelihood of reporting either side effect type. Conclusions Women with a history of unwanted sexual activity were more likely to report decreased desire with HC use, suggesting that experiencing unwanted sex may influence perceptions of sexual effects of medication. Additionally, women who are dating or married are more likely to report decreased desire with HC use, contrary to previous literature. Understanding the characteristics of women who report sexual and nonsexual HC side effects may help inform patient/doctor interactions when counseling women about contraceptive use. Disclosure No

The effects of hormonal contraceptive use on sleep patterns in women of reproductive age

PurposeHormonal contraceptives alter hormone levels in women and have been linked to alterations in sleep patterns; however, previous studies yielded inconsistent results and lacked generalizability. This study examines hormonal contraceptive use and its impact on sleep outcomes, including sleep duration and sleep disturbances. MethodsWomen self-reported their sleep patterns and use of contraceptives in the 2017 population-based Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey (n=1,970). Participants were categorized by use of hormonal or non-hormonal contraceptives for the purpose of pregnancy prevention. Sleep duration was defined as having met the recommended sleep levels of 7-9 hours per 24 hours. Sleep disturbances were defined as trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much ≥ 6 days within a 14-day period. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine the association between contraceptive use and each sleep outcome. SAS-callable SUDAAN was used for analyses to account for the complex sampling design. ResultsWomen who used hormonal contraceptives had 6% higher prevalence of sleep disturbances (PR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.14) and 17% lower prevalence of not meeting sleep duration recommendations (PR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.98) compared to those who used non-hormonal contraceptives after adjustment for age. ConclusionThese findings suggest the use of hormonal contraceptives may have negative impacts on sleep disturbances, and positive effects on sleep duration among women using contraceptives for preventing pregnancy. Future studies should be conducted in diverse populations utilizing objective measurements of sleep patterns.

Prevalence of hormonal contraceptive use and reported side effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use in powerlifting and rugby

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES The prevalence of hormonal contraceptive (HC) use and the associated symptomology of use or non-use are under-studied in athletic populations, and in particular, in strength and collision sports. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hormonal contraceptive use and reported side effects of the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptive use in powerlifters and rugby players. METHODS Competitive female powerlifters and rugby players (aged ≥18 y), representing a strength and a collision sport respectively, completed an anonymous online questionnaire for the purpose of assessing self-reported prevalence of HC use, and symptoms of the menstrual cycle and HC use. Athletes were categorized by sport (powerlifters, n=149; rugby players, n=135) in order to conduct a stratified analysis. For open-ended questions, a content analysis was conducted to categorize responses, and frequency analyses were performed. RESULTS Current HC use was reported by 51.1% of athletes, with similar prevalence for the two sports (powerlifting, 48.3% vs. rugby, 54.1%, P=0.34). Side effects of the menstrual cycle were reported in 83.5% of non-HC users, with the most common being unspecified cramping (42.4%), headache/migraine (24.5%), and fatigue (24.5%). Side effects were reported in 40.0% of HC users, with the most common being mood changes (17.9%), stomach pain (8.3%) and headaches/migraines (6.9%). CONCLUSION A large proportion of HC users and non-users in this study experience negative side effects of HC use and the menstrual cycle, respectively. The symptoms experienced by both groups are wide-ranging, with a high degree of variation between individuals. The negative side-effects experienced by HC users and non-users may have an influence on athletic performance, and this requires future investigation.

The Effects of Hormonal Contraceptive Use on Sleep Patterns in Women of Reproductive Age

The Effects of Hormonal Contraceptive Use on Sleep Patterns in Women of Reproductive Age

Influence Of Hormonal Contraceptive Use On Bone Metabolic Responses To British Army Officer Basic Training

Hormonal contraceptives are commonly used by servicewomen. Hormonal contraceptives contain ethinyl oestradiol and progestogen, or progestogen only, and act by altering the endogenous production of 17β-Oestradiol. 17β-Oestradiol plays an important role in the regulation of bone metabolism. PURPOSE: To investigate differences in the bone metabolic responses to 44-weeks British Army Officer basic training between women not using any hormonal contraceptive and women using the combined oral contraceptive pill (ethinyl oestradiol and progestogen: COCP) or a progestogen-only contraceptive (pill, subdermal implant, intramuscular injection: POC). METHODS: Venous blood samples were obtained after an overnight fast from 51 women during week 1, 28, and 44 of training (non-users, n = 11; COCP users, n = 18; POC users, n = 17; other, n = 5; mean ± SD, age 24 ± 3 y, height 1.66 ± 0.06 m, body mass 64.3 ± 7.7 kg; p ≥ 0.079 between groups). Blood samples were analysed for biochemical markers of bone resorption and formation. RESULTS: Albumin-adjusted calcium increased from week 1 to week 28 (0.05 mmol·L-1) and week 44 (0.05 mmol·L-1) in all women (p ≤ 0.045). Procollagen 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, beta C-telopeptide cross-links of type 1 collagen, sclerostin, phosphate, or total 25-hydroxyvitamin D were not different between timepoints (p ≥ 0.096). P1NP was higher in POC users than COCP users at week 1 (mean [IQR], 81.8 [68.9, 115.1] vs 61.3 [50.5, 77.5] μg·L-1, p = 0.012). Sclerostin was higher in POC users than COCP users at week 1 (40.9 [37.0, 50.6] vs 33.0 [28.9, 40.6] pmol·L-1) and week 44 (43.2 [41.3, 47.4] vs 30.8 [27.8, 41.7] pmol·L-1) (p ≤ 0.018). There were no other effects of hormonal contraceptive use on markers of bone metabolism (p ≥ 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: POCs may inhibit new bone formation in response to mechanical loading through disinhibition of the WNT-signalling pathway. The mechanism is likely due to low endogenous and exogenous oestradiol. Bone metabolism is a dynamic process, and frequent measures of bone markers are recommended to capture biochemical responses to mechanical loading.

Hormonal contraceptives and the risk of suicide: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of hormonal contraceptive use over the risk of suicide. MethodSystematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies retrieved from five search engines until September 2019, comparing the use of any hormonal contraceptive versus non-hormonal contraceptive use or no use. Primary outcome was consumed suicide, and secondary outcomes were suicidal attempt and ideation. Random effects meta-analyses with the inverse variance method were used to evaluate the effects of exposure over outcomes. Effect was calculated as risk ratio (RR) with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Otawa Scale. ResultsThere were no randomized controlled trials concerning suicide and hormonal contraceptive use. Only three cohort studies (n = 184,721 women), that evaluated the primary outcome (consumed suicide), were included in the meta-analysis. Hormonal contraceptive use was associated to a higher risk of consumed suicide (RR = 1.36, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.75, P = 0.015, I2 = 0%). There were no secondary outcomes in at least two cohorts. ConclusionThis meta-analysis found a positive association between hormonal contraceptive use and consumed suicides. Prior to their use, populations at suicidal risk should be properly evaluated.

Path Analysis on the Effect of Hormonal Contraceptive Use on the Risk of Depression in Women of Reproductive Age in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta

Path Analysis on the Effect of Hormonal Contraceptive Use on the Risk of Depression in Women of Reproductive Age in Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta

No pills, more skills: The adverse effect of hormonal contraceptive use on exposure therapy benefit

Hormonal contraceptive use can aggravate existing symptoms of anxiety and depression and influence the response to pharmacologic treatment. The impact of hormonal contraceptive use on non-pharmacological treatment efficacy in anxiety disorders is less well explored. Oral contraceptives, which suppress endogenous sex hormone secretion, can alter fear extinction learning. Fear extinction is considered the laboratory proxy of exposure therapy in anxiety disorders. This study set out to examine whether oral contraceptive use is related to exposure-based treatment response in specific phobia. We recruited spider-phobic women (n = 28) using oral contraceptives (OC) and free-cycling women (n =26, No-OC). All participants were subjected to an identical in-vivo exposure. Exposure-based symptom improvement was assessed with several behavioral and subjective indices at pre-treatment, post-treatment and six-weeks follow-up. No–OC women showed higher pre-exposure fear levels on the FSQ and SPQ. OC women showed slightly less pronounced exposure benefit compared to their free-cycling counterparts (No-OC woman) as reflected by lower levels of fear reduction from pre-treatment to follow-up on the subjective level. After correction for multiple testing, OC and No-OC women showed differences in self-report measures (SPQ, FAS and SBQ) from pre- to follow-up treatment but not from pre-to post-treatment. These findings implicate that oral contraceptive use can account for differential exposure-based fear symptom improvement. Our study highlights the importance of monitoring and managing hormonal contraceptives use in the context of non-pharmacological exposure-based interventions.

Changes in inflammation markers after a 10-week high-intensity combined strength and endurance training block in women: The effect of hormonal contraceptive use

ObjectivesThe influence of hormonal contraceptives (HC) on inflammation and body composition after high-intensity combined strength and endurance training was investigated. DesignActive healthy women formed two training groups: HC users (HCU, n = 9) and those who had never used HC (NHC, n = 9). Training included two strength training sessions and two high-intensity interval training sessions per week for 10 weeks. MethodsBefore (PRE) and after (POST) the training intervention, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) concentrations were measured. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to estimate fat mass (FM), abdominal fat mass (aFM), and lean mass (LM). ResultsCirculating concentrations of hs-CRP decreased significantly in the NHC from pre to post with −0.46 mg l−1 (95% CI: −0.78, −0.14, p = 0.009, ES = 0.434), whereas a significant increase was observed in HCU from pre to post with 0.89 mg l−1 (95% CI: 1.66, 0.12, p = 0.048, ES = 1.988) with a significant between-group difference (p = 0.015). In addition, hs-CRP concentration was significantly higher in HCU than in NHC after training (p = 0.036) at post. Lean mass increased significantly more in NHC than in HCU (p = 0.049). ConclusionsHigh-intensity combined strength and endurance training can modify inflammation and body composition of women. The present study showed that inflammation, in terms of hs-CRP was higher post training in HCU than NHC, which may be associated with smaller gains in lean mass in response to training.

Period Prevalence and Perceived Side Effects of Hormonal Contraceptive Use and the Menstrual Cycle in Elite Athletes.

To identify the period prevalence of hormonal contraceptive (HC) use and characterize the perceived side effects associated with the menstrual cycle and HC use. A total of 430 elite female athletes completed a questionnaire to assess the period prevalence of HC use, the reasons for initiation and discontinuation of HCs, and the side effects experienced by HC and non-HC users. Descriptive statistics, between-groups comparisons, and associations between categorical variables were calculated. Of athletes studied, 49.5% were currently using HCs and 69.8% had used HCs at some point. Combined oral contraceptives were most commonly used (68.1%), with 30.0% using progestin-only contraceptives (implant = 13.1%, injection = 3.7%, and intrauterine system = 2.8%). Perceived negative side effects were more common with progestin-only HC use (39.1%) compared with combined-HC use (17.8%; P = .001) and were most prevalent in implant users (53.6%; P = .004). HC users reported perceived positive side effects relating to their ability to predict and/or manipulate the timing, frequency, and amount of menstrual bleeding. Non-HC users had a menstrual cycle length of 29 (5) d and 77.4% reported negative side effects during their menstrual cycle, primarily during days 1-2 of menstruation (81.6%). Approximately half of elite athletes used HCs, and progestin-only contraceptive users reported greater incidences of negative side effects, especially with the implant. Because of the high interindividual variability in reported side effects, athletes and practitioners should maintain an open dialogue to pursue the best interests of the athlete.