Hormonal Birth Control Might Reduce Female Athletes’ ACL Tears
Female athletes are two to eight times more likely to tear their anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) than their male counterparts performing the same sport at the same level. They are also at greater risk for other ligament and tendon injuries, such as ankle sprains.
A study at Cedars-Sinai suggests that hormonal birth control may reduce ACL injury risk in female athletes by lowering relaxin levels, which contribute to ligament looseness. The research indicates that athletes using hormonal contraception exhibited improved knee and hip mechanics during landing.
Background
Female athletes face a significantly higher risk of ACL tears compared to males, particularly after age 14. Understanding the role of hormones, such as relaxin, in ligament stability is crucial as more women participate in competitive sports. This study explores whether hormonal birth control can mitigate this injury risk.
Data Highlights
Study Group
Injury Incidence
Relaxin Levels
Hormonal Birth Control Users
Lower
Low
Non-Users
Higher
High
Key Findings
Female athletes are 2-8 times more likely to sustain ACL injuries than males.
Relaxin, a hormone that increases ligament looseness, peaks in the second half of the menstrual cycle.
Athletes on hormonal birth control demonstrated improved knee and hip mechanics during landing.
Lower relaxin levels in hormonal birth control users correlated with fewer injuries.
The study involved 72 high-level collegiate athletes, with 32 using hormonal birth control.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should consider the potential benefits of hormonal birth control in reducing ACL injury risk among female athletes. However, further research is needed to establish definitive recommendations, as current guidelines emphasize neuromuscular training as the primary preventive measure.
Conclusion
The findings from this study suggest a possible protective effect of hormonal birth control against ACL injuries in female athletes, warranting further investigation into its clinical application.
