The Influence of Oral Contraceptive Use on Muscle Recovery

Influence of Oral Contraceptive Use on Recovery in Trained Women

There is still no one who has studied how oral contraceptive use affects recovery in trained women after repeated high-intensity workouts. Consequently, a well-controlled study is needed.

The project is designed as a controlled cohort study, where 20 oral contraceptive users will be compared with 20 non-users. After initial preliminary examination and habituation to the test procedures, the subjects will start the intervention in week 2 of their menstrual cycle / active contraceptive pill cycle. Before and 3h, 24h and 48h after 3 intense strength training sessions performed 2 days in a row, blood samples will be taken, muscle soreness measured and performance tests performed. The day before the first training session and over the 4 trial days, the subjects will receive a standardized diet.

Inclusion Criteria:

• BMI 18.5-30
• Regular training minimum. 4 times a week (1≤ times strength training, 1≤ times endurance training / interval training or interval-based sports. If the interest in participation is greater than necessary, we will prioritize people who perform strength training at least twice a week)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Irregular menstruation over the last 6 months (shorter than 24 days or longer than 35 days cycle)
• Used birth control pills for less than 6 months
• Non-birth control pill users must not have used birth control pills, IUDs, birth control pills, or mini- pills for a maximum of 1 month during the last 6 months and not within the last 3 months up to the trial. .
• Injuries / pain in the lower body, which prevents participation in intense strength training
• Medication consumption that may affect protein metabolism and inflammatory parameters.
• Diabetes
• Smoking
• Unstable weight / major weight loss (weight fluctuations of more than 5 kg in the last six months)
• Eating disorder
• Pregnancy
• Cannot read or understand Danish