The DOI matches its Crossref record; 66 of the 66 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
The Influence of Oral Contraceptives on Athletic Performance in Female Athletes
Abstract
It is now estimated that the prevalence of oral contraceptive use in athletic women matches that of women in the general population. The oral contraceptive pill (OCP) reduces cycle-length variability and provides a consistent 28-day cycle by controlling concentrations of endogenous sex hormones. The OCP is administered in three different forms that differ widely in chemical constitution and concomitant effects on the human body. As fluctuation in sex steroids are believed to be a possible causal factor in performance and exercise capacity, it is imperative to understand the effect of administering the various types of OCP on women. However, the research into oral contraceptives and exercise performance is not consistent. The type of OCP administered (monophasic, biphasic or triphasic), as well as the type and dose of estrogen and progestogen within, will have varying effects on exercise. To date, research in the area of oral contraceptives and exercise capacity is sparse and much has been plagued by poor research design, methodology and small sample size. It is clear from the research to date that more randomised clinical trials are urgently required to assess the array of OCP formulations currently available to women and their concomitant effect on health and exercise capacity. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to critically appraise the literature to date and to provide a current review of the physiological scientific knowledge base in relation to the OCP and exercise performance. In addition, methodological control, design and conduct will be considered with future areas of research highlighted.
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“These cyclic hormone changes can affect a number of physical and psychological attributes and, ultimately, may influence sports performance, although the effects are highly individual [88,90,91].”
From International society of sports nutrition position stand: nutritional concerns of the female athlete (2023) · cites this paper as [91]
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Goeckenjan, M., Platen, P., Friedmann‐Bette, B., & Rabe, T. (2010) · Gynäkologische Endokrinologie · doi:10.1007/s10304-010-0374-x
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Rodrigo-Mallorca, D., Crespo-Ojeda, D., Alonso Aubin, D. A., & Chulvi Medrano, I. (2023) · Journal of Physical Education and Sport · doi:10.7752/jpes.2023.07218
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Metadata
- Authors
- Burrows, M., & Peters, C. E.
- Affiliations
- University of Exeter (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Burrows, Melonie
- Venue
- Sports Medicine
- Published
- 2007
- Volume
- 37
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 557-574
- ISSN
- 0112-1642 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2032617208
- Cited by
- 122
- References
- 66
- Citations by year
- 2026: 4 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 12 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 11 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 2 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 6 · 2014: 6 · 2013: 5 · 2012: 9
- FWCI
- 0.32
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Sports Medicine (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Reproductive Health and Contraception
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Orthopedics and Sports Medicine › Sports Performance and Training
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology (medical) › Cardiovascular and exercise physiology
- Keywords
- oral contraceptives, athletic performance, female athletes, exercise capacity, sex hormones, estrogen, progestogens, menstrual cycle regulation
- MeSH terms
- Adult, Contraceptives, Oral, Hormonal, Female, United Kingdom, Humans, Sports, Task Performance and Analysis
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