Menstrual Irregularity, Hormonal Contraceptive Use, and Bone Stress Injuries in Collegiate Female Athletes in the United States.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Menstrual irregularity (MI) is common in female athletes and is a component of the Female Athlete Triad (Triad). Many athletes with the Triad are started on hormonal contraceptives (HC) for MI, but this interferes with the ability to monitor menstrual cycle regularity and can mask other causes of MI. There are limited studies investigating the relationship between MI, HC use, and injury in female collegiate athletes.

Objective

To examine the prevalence of and relationship between HC use, MI, and bone stress injuries in female collegiate athletes in the United States.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Online survey.

Participants

1020 U.S. female collegiate athletes (age ≥ 18 years).

Methods or interventions

Assessment of risk factors

SUBMITTER: Cheng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8262270 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature