The Best Birth Control Methods for Female Athletes
As an athlete, feeling and performing your best is about more than just ticking the boxes of your training plan. It also requires taking care of your hormonal health. That's why choosing the right birth control method is so important. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blog post, we'll explore the best birth control methods for female athletes who want to optimize their hormonal health and achieve peak performance.
Before we get into it, it’s important to note that there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to contraception. And there is no question: contraceptive methods are absolutely essential to allow female athletes the reproductive autonomy to chase their athletic dreams. Each of you will have unique needs and preferences that need to be taken into account in your decision.
Fertility Awareness Method
The fertility awareness method (FAM) is a hormone-free and non-invasive method of contraception that relies on tracking a woman's menstrual cycle to identify her fertile days and planning intercourse or use of back up methods appropriately. FAM may provide female athletes with a better understanding of their bodies and their menstrual cycles. This knowledge can be helpful in identifying patterns in training and performance, as well as optimizing recovery time. FAM can also be used to track hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle, which may help female athletes identify when they are most prone to injury or fatigue. However, it is important to note that FAM requires dedication, consistency, and an understanding of the method to be effective, and may not be the best option for all women.
IUD (Intrauterine Device)
The IUD is a long-acting reversible contraceptive that is inserted into the uterus. It can be either hormonal or non-hormonal. Hormonal IUDs release small amounts of progesterone, which tends to reduce the amount of blood loss during each period (some women stop having a period altogether or only get minimal spotting). Non-hormonal IUDs can lead to heavier menstrual bleeding, more severe cramping, and can be a factor contributing to iron deficiency anemia (due to heavier periods). All IUDs have the major benefit of not-inhibiting ovulation or systemic hormone production, so the user maintains all the performance-boosting benefits of their natural cycle.
Oral Contraceptives (The Pill)
Oral contraceptives are one of the most popular forms of birth control, but they may also impact athletic performance. The pill contains estrogen and progesterone, which shut down the body’s natural hormone production. The benefits of this method include ease of use, accessibility, and women generally find their periods lighter, less crampy and more regular on the pill. However, the pill is sometimes recommended to regulate an irregular period or bring back an absent period. These are not good reasons to take the pill, as it does not treat the underlying issue, and potentially masks a hormonal disorder, or signs of low energy availability. Additionally, some studies suggest that the pill can decrease muscle strength and endurance.
Depo-Provera (The Shot)
Depo-Provera is an injectable contraceptive that contains synthetic progesterone. This method is often recommended for women who have a reason why they should not take estrogen; such as migraine headaches, currently breastfeeding, or having a history of breast cancer. It has been shown to cause a decrease in bone density, which can increase the risk of stress fractures in athletes. This can be particularly problematic for athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as running or gymnastics.
How to make the choice that’s right for you
Impacts on athletic performance are only one consideration when choosing a birth control method. It’s important to also consider how effective the method is at preventing pregnancy, how the method will impact your other health goals, and whether the method works in the context of your life. It can feel like a big decision to make all on your own. I encourage you to do your research, ask questions and find a trusted practitioner to help you make an individualized choice. If you’d like to learn more about my approach to supporting female athletes with all things hormonal health, book a complimentary discovery call to get started.
References:
Elliott-Sale, K. J., McNulty, K. L., Ansdell, P., Goodall, S., Hicks, K. M., Thomas, K., & Hanson, B. (2020). The effects of oral contraceptives on exercise performance in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports Medicine, 50(12), 2271-2285.
Bonny, A. E., Secic, M., Cromer, B. A., & Cromer, B. A. (2011). Bone density in adolescent females using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate. Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, 24(1), 37-41.
Mansour, D., Inki, P., Gemzell‐Danielsson, K., Jensen, J. T., Fiala, C., & Kaunitz, A. M. (2015). Fertility awareness‐based methods for contraception. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (9).