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.
Clinical Scorecard: Hormonal Birth Control Might Reduce Female Athletes’ ACL Tears
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears in Female Athletes Key Mechanisms Hormonal influences, particularly relaxin, affect ligament stability and injury risk. Target Population Female athletes, particularly those in high-level collegiate sports. Care Setting Sports medicine and orthopedic clinics.
Key Highlights
Female athletes are 2-8 times more likely to tear their ACL compared to males. Hormonal birth control may reduce relaxin levels, potentially lowering injury risk. Study showed hormonal birth control users had better knee and hip alignment during landings. Injuries such as ankle sprains and meniscal tears were fewer in athletes using hormonal birth control. Further research is needed to fully understand hormonal impacts on female athletes. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess ACL injury risk factors in female athletes, including hormonal influences. Management
Consider hormonal birth control as a potential strategy to reduce ACL injury risk. Monitoring & Follow-up
Monitor hormone levels and injury occurrences in female athletes using hormonal birth control. Risks
Evaluate the individual risks and benefits of hormonal birth control for each athlete. Patient & Prescribing Data
High-level collegiate female athletes.
Hormonal birth control may provide additional protective benefits against ACL injuries.
Clinical Best Practices
Encourage strength training programs focusing on stabilizing muscles like hamstrings and gluteals. Educate female athletes on the potential benefits and risks of hormonal birth control. References
