Hormonal Contraception and Athletic Performance

Pinchbeck, Jessica (2024). Hormonal Contraception and Athletic Performance. In: Pinchbeck, Jessica; Lingam-Willgoss, Candice and Rea, Simon eds. Optimising Female Athletic Performance. Routeledge.

URL: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003330110

Abstract

This chapter will explore the different types of hormonal contraception available, how they work, and the impact that each type has on the hormones of the menstrual cycle. It will examine the prevalence of hormonal contraception used by athletes and active women and the reasons behind their use. The effect that hormonal contraception may have on training and performance is explored alongside the debate regarding the benefits of a natural menstrual cycle against those gained from a synthetic cycle as produced by hormonal contraception. The use of hormonal contraception can also mask any menstrual problems that an athlete is experiencing, such irregularity of absence of natural periods, which also needs considering when working with female athletes.

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