Hormonal Influences on Women's Health and Athletic Performance: Insights into the Menstrual Cycle, Menopause, Contraception, and Anabolic Steroids
December 2024
in “
Quality in Sport
”
Studysummary This review found that hormones significantly impact women's health and athletic performance, influencing the menstrual cycle, menopause, and exercise responses, while therapies like contraception and hormone replacement require personalized approaches to balance benefits and risks.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
Hormonal balance is crucial for women's health and athletic performance, influencing the menstrual cycle, menopause, and exercise responses. While physical activity enhances cardiovascular and metabolic health, intense training can disrupt hormonal balance. Hormonal contraceptives, anabolic steroids, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offer benefits but also pose risks such as breast cancer and cardiovascular events, necessitating individualized approaches. The review highlights the need for further research to optimize these therapies' benefits while minimizing their risks.
