Hormonal Influences on Women's Health and Athletic Performance: Insights into the Menstrual Cycle, Menopause, Contraception, and Anabolic Steroids
December 2024
in “
Quality in Sport
”
TLDR Hormonal balance is vital for women's health and performance, but therapies like contraceptives and steroids have both benefits and risks.
Hormonal balance is crucial for women's health and athletic performance, influencing the menstrual cycle, menopause, and exercise responses. While physical activity enhances cardiovascular and metabolic health, intense training can disrupt hormonal balance. Hormonal contraceptives, anabolic steroids, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offer benefits but also pose risks such as breast cancer and cardiovascular events, necessitating individualized approaches. The review highlights the need for further research to optimize these therapies' benefits while minimizing their risks.
