The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Pills on Endurance and Fatigue in Female Athletes: A Critically Appraised Topic

Clinical Scenario : Oral contraceptive pills are widely used among women to prevent pregnancies and help control symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle. Female athletes using these contraceptives may be susceptible to lower athletic performance because of the effects of the added hormones. Clinical Question : In elite female athletes, do oral hormonal contraceptives affect performance capacity and the ability to sustain exercise over an extended period without fatigue? Summary of Key Findings : None of the studies found significant changes in fatigue and blood lactate suggesting no effect on endurance performance in oral contraceptives pills users. Clinical Bottom Line : Oral contraceptive pills have little to no impact on female athletic performance. Changes in endurance performance, fatigue, blood lactate, and blood lactate threshold were not significant. Strength of Recommendation : The studies selected demonstrate Level B evidence due to the small sample size, inconsistency, and limited quality of evidence.