High Levels of Estrogen May Be Linked to Higher Injury Rates in Female Athletes

Written by: MDHealthGuide Staff | Posted on: Wednesday, January 4, 2012

If you are a woman that spends a lot of time kicking, running, or jumping, you’re estrogen levels may affect the likelihood of a coming injury according to a study conducted published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and reported by Medical News Today.

The study included 23 active young women, and monitored the mechanical properties of the tendon in the knee through the course of a menstrual cycle—from beginning, to the start of the next. Researchers also monitored hormone levels, which change at different phases of a woman’s menstrual cycle. None of the women monitored were taking oral contraceptives.

Though researchers found no evidence that tendon strength varied with “that time of the month,” it was found that women who had higher estrogen levels overall affected the tendon characteristics—which means they may be at a higher risk for injury. This debunks earlier claims that tendon stiffness arises with the occurrence of a woman’s period, but also brings to light possible concerns for female athletes.

What does this all mean? Because the risk of injury does not ride with a woman’s menstrual cycle, there is no need to plan training schedules according to this factor. However, it may necessitate female athletes to be assessed for hormone levels to understand her risks, and alter training schedules to avoid possible injuries. It does not limit females from participating in sports, and rather allows female athletes to understand better the workings of their body to better train and stay in healthy condition—an application both useful and wise.

Source: Female Athletes With Higher Estrogen Levels May Have Higher Injury Risk on Health News Today

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MDHealthGuide staff consists healthcare professionals and wellness enthusiasts from general health, fitness, nutrition areas.
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