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Ricker EA, Koltun KJ, de la Motte SJ. Hormonal contraception and medical readiness for female service members. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024:S0002-9378(24)00630-6. [PMID: 38810770 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2024.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Many female military service members choose to use hormonal contraception to prevent pregnancy and/or to control or suppress menses. Hormonal contraception, which comes in many different forms based on dose, estrogen/progestin type, and route of administration (oral, vaginal, transdermal, implant, intrauterine device, injectable), may cause side effects, some of which can influence military medical readiness, or the health status necessary to perform assigned missions. This expert review summarizes the evidence around common military-relevant side effects of hormonal contraception that could impact readiness, including effects on weight and body composition, bone health, psychological health, and physical performance, and serves as a tool for uniformed and civilian clinicians counseling female service members about hormonal contraception. Current evidence suggests some hormonal contraception can lead to weight and fat gain, may modulate susceptibility to mood or mental health disorders, and could impact bone mineral density and stress fracture risk; more research is needed on physical performance effects. Clinicians must be familiar with readiness considerations of each type of hormonal contraception to provide comprehensive patient education and allow for optimal shared decision-making about hormonal contraception use among female Service members. Considering the relative lack of data on the effects of nonoral hormonal contraception routes on readiness outcomes and the growing interest in long-acting reversible contraceptives among female service members, future research should continue to investigate effects of all hormonal contraception methods available to service members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Ricker
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc, Bethesda, MD.
| | - Kristen J Koltun
- Neuromuscular Research Laboratory, Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sarah J de la Motte
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD
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White L, Losciale JM, Squier K, Guy S, Scott A, Prior JC, Whittaker JL. Combined hormonal contraceptive use is not protective against musculoskeletal conditions or injuries: a systematic review with data from 5 million females. Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:1195-1202. [PMID: 37225254 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-106519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess the association between combined hormonal contraceptives (CHC) use and musculoskeletal tissue pathophysiology, injuries or conditions. DESIGN Systematic review with semiquantitative analyses and certainty of evidence assessment, guided by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL searched from inception to April 2022. ELIGIBILITY Intervention and cohort studies that assessed the association between new or ongoing use of CHC and an outcome of musculoskeletal tissue pathophysiology, injury or condition in postpubertal premenopausal females. RESULTS Across 50 included studies, we assessed the effect of CHC use on 30 unique musculoskeletal outcomes (75% bone related). Serious risk of bias was judged present in 82% of studies, with 52% adequately adjusting for confounding. Meta-analyses were not possible due to poor outcome reporting, and heterogeneity in estimate statistics and comparison conditions. Based on semiquantitative synthesis, there is low certainty evidence that CHC use was associated with elevated future fracture risk (risk ratio 1.02-1.20) and total knee arthroplasty (risk ratio 1.00-1.36). There is very low certainty evidence of unclear relationships between CHC use and a wide range of bone turnover and bone health outcomes. Evidence about the effect of CHC use on musculoskeletal tissues beyond bone, and the influence of CHC use in adolescence versus adulthood, is limited. CONCLUSION Given a paucity of high certainty evidence that CHC use is protective against musculoskeletal pathophysiology, injury or conditions, it is premature and inappropriate to advocate, or prescribe CHC for these purposes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER This review was registered on PROSPERO CRD42021224582 on 8 January 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynita White
- Tall Tree Physiotherapy and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Justin M Losciale
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kipling Squier
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah Guy
- City Sport + Physiotherapy Clinic, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alex Scott
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jerilynn C Prior
- Centre for Menstrual Cycle and Ovulation Research, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Women's Health Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jackie L Whittaker
- Arthritis Research Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Understanding the female athlete: molecular mechanisms underpinning menstrual phase differences in exercise metabolism. Eur J Appl Physiol 2023; 123:423-450. [PMID: 36402915 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-022-05090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Research should equitably reflect responses in men and women. Including women in research, however, necessitates an understanding of the ovarian hormones and menstrual phase variations in both cellular and systems physiology. This review outlines recent advances in the multiplicity of ovarian hormone molecular signaling that elucidates the mechanisms for menstrual phase variability in exercise metabolism. The prominent endogenous estrogen, 17-β-estradiol (E2), molecular structure is bioactive in stabilizing plasma membranes and quenching free radicals and both E2 and progesterone (P4) promote the expression of antioxidant enzymes attenuating exercise-induced muscle damage in the late follicular (LF) and mid-luteal (ML) phases. E2 and P4 bind nuclear hormone receptors and membrane-bound receptors to regulate gene expression directly or indirectly, which importantly includes cross-regulated expression of their own receptors. Activation of membrane-bound receptors also regulates kinases causing rapid cellular responses. Careful analysis of these signaling pathways explains menstrual phase-specific differences. Namely, E2-promoted plasma glucose uptake during exercise, via GLUT4 expression and kinases, is nullified by E2-dominant suppression of gluconeogenic gene expression in LF and ML phases, ameliorated by carbohydrate ingestion. E2 signaling maximizes fat oxidation capacity in LF and ML phases, pending low-moderate exercise intensities, restricted nutrient availability, and high E2:P4 ratios. P4 increases protein catabolism during the luteal phase by indeterminate mechanisms. Satellite cell function supported by E2-targeted gene expression is countered by P4, explaining greater muscle strengthening from follicular phase-based training. In totality, this integrative review provides causative effects, supported by meta-analyses for quantitative actuality, highlighting research opportunities and evidence-based relevance for female athletes.
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He W, Dam TV, Thøgersen R, Hansen M, Bertram HC. Fluctuations in Metabolites and Bone Markers Across the Menstrual Cycle in Eumenorrheic Women and Oral Contraceptive Users. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:1577-1588. [PMID: 35213728 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Little is known about changes in circulating metabolites during the menstrual cycle and how use of oral contraceptives (OCs) affects these changes. OBJECTIVES To study fluctuations in circulating metabolite and bone marker levels during the menstrual/pill cycle in eumenorrheic women and OC users. METHODS Plasma samples were collected from 28 eumenorrheic women and 10 OC users at 7 to 9 time points across a menstrual/pill cycle. Longitudinal and cross-sectional analyses were performed to examine the cycle- and OC-induced variations in the plasma metabolite and bone turnover marker levels. RESULTS In eumenorrheic women, plasma levels of alanine, glutamine, threonine, and tyrosine varied significantly across the menstrual cycle, and all dropped to the lowest level around day 21 of the menstrual cycle. These amino acid concentrations were negatively correlated with fluctuations in progesterone and/or estrogen levels. A between-group analysis showed that plasma levels of alanine, glutamine, glycine, proline, and tyrosine were lower in OC users than in nonusers. Concomitantly, plasma C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) and N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) levels were lower in OC users. Intriguingly, when all data were pooled, variations in CTX and PINP levels were positively correlated with fluctuations in proline and glycine concentrations (r > 0.5 or 0.3 < r < 0.5, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The menstrual cycle and the use of OCs alter plasma levels of metabolites and bone turnover markers in young women. While the impact of these findings remains to be established, the lower glycine level among OC users and the accompanying lower CTX level supports that the use of OCs lowers collagen turnover in young women and may thereby have long-term implications for bone health among OC users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei He
- Department of Food Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Tine Vrist Dam
- Section for Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | | | - Mette Hansen
- Section for Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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Bonaccorsi G. Management of women's bone health in the gynecological setting: when and how? Minerva Obstet Gynecol 2021; 73:659-661. [PMID: 34905873 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-606x.21.04924-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Bonaccorsi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Menopause and Osteoporosis Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy - .,University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy -
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De Souza MJ, Strock NCA, Ricker EA, Koltun KJ, Barrack M, Joy E, Nattiv A, Hutchinson M, Misra M, Williams NI. The Path Towards Progress: A Critical Review to Advance the Science of the Female and Male Athlete Triad and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport. Sports Med 2021; 52:13-23. [PMID: 34665451 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01568-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Energy status plays a key role in the health of athletes and exercising individuals. Energy deficiency/low energy availability (EA), referring to a state in which insufficient energy intake and/or excessive exercise energy expenditure has resulted in compensatory metabolic adaptations to conserve fuel, can affect numerous physiological systems in women and men. The Female Athlete Triad, Male Athlete Triad, and Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) models conceptualize the effects of energy deficiency in athletes, and each model has strengths and limitations. For instance, the Female Athlete Triad model depicts relationships between low EA, reproductive, and bone health, underpinning decades of experimental evidence, but may be perceived as limited in scope, while the more recent RED-S model proposes a wider range of potential health effects of low EA, though many model components require more robust scientific justification. This critical review summarizes current evidence regarding the effects of energy deficiency on athlete health by addressing the quality of the underlying science, the strengths and limitations of each model, and highlighting areas where future research is needed to advance the field. With the health and wellness of athletes and exercising individuals as the overarching priority, we conclude with specific steps that will help focus future research on the Female and Male Athlete Triad and RED-S, and encourage all researchers, clinicians, and practitioners to collaborate to support the common goal of promoting the highest quality science and evidence-based medicine in pursuit of the advancement of athletes' health, well-being, and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Jane De Souza
- Department of Kinesiology and Physiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Nicole C A Strock
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Emily A Ricker
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, USA.,Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, USA
| | - Kristen J Koltun
- Department of Sports Medicine and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Barrack
- Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA, USA
| | | | - Aurelia Nattiv
- Department of Sports Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Hutchinson
- Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy I Williams
- Department of Kinesiology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Clarke AC, Bruinvels G, Julian R, Inge P, Pedlar CR, Govus AD. Hormonal Contraceptive Use in Football Codes in Australia. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:634866. [PMID: 33718869 PMCID: PMC7947621 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.634866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The recent launch of the new National elite women's football competitions in Australia has seen a 20-50% increase in grassroots female participation. With the growing participation across grassroots to elite competitions, understanding the health of female athletes should be prioritized. In elite level athletes, hormonal contraceptive (HC) use is common (~50%), however, little is known about the prevalence and reasons for use and disuse of HC in elite female football athletes. As such, the impact of HC use is often not considered when monitoring the health of female footballers. This study involved a subset of data collected as part of a larger questionnaire investigating menstrual cycle function, hormonal contraception use, and the interaction with training load volume and perceived performance in elite female football code athletes. A total of 177 participants completed the questionnaire across three football codes within Australia (rugby league, rugby union/sevens, Australian football). One third (n = 58) of athletes were currently using HC, predominately in the form of an oral contraceptive pill (OC, n = 47). Reasons for use included: to avoid pregnancy (71%); to control/regulate cycle (38%); and to reduce menstrual pain (36%). However, most athletes using an OC (89%) could not identify the type of pill used (e.g., mono-, bi-, or triphasic). The main reason for disuse was due to the negative side effects (n = 23), such as mood swings, weight gain, and depression/anxiety. Comparing HC users and non-users, there were no statistical differences in the number of reported menstrual symptoms, use of medication to relieve menstrual pain, or frequency for needing to adapt training due to their menstrual cycle (p > 0.05). Since most athletes were unaware of the type of OC they used, female football athletes require further education about the different types of HC, and specifically OC, available to them. Similarities in the symptoms experienced, pain management, and training adaptation requirements between groups suggests that HC use may not have the intended outcome for certain athletes. As such, greater awareness of athlete's personal experiences with the menstrual cycle, how HC may influence their experience, and acknowledgment of non-pharmacological methods to help manage menstrual cycle related symptoms are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthea C Clarke
- Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Nutrition, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Georgie Bruinvels
- Orreco Ltd., Business Innovation Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, United Kingdom
| | - Ross Julian
- Department of Neuromotor Behavior and Exercise, Institute of Sport Science, Westfaelische Wilhelms-University Muenster, Münster, Germany.,School of Sport and Exercise, Exercise and Sport Research Centre, University of Gloucestershire, Cheltenham, United Kingdom
| | - Pip Inge
- Australian Football League, Docklands, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Charles R Pedlar
- Orreco Ltd., Business Innovation Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland.,Faculty of Sport, Health and Applied Science, St Mary's University, Twickenham, United Kingdom.,Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D Govus
- Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Nutrition, and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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