Randomised trial, 2013
Does the menstrual cycle affect cortisol (stress hormone) levels?
No. The menstrual cycle phase does not affect cortisol levels. However, birth control pills are associated with higher resting cortisol levels and a weaker stress response.
What they did
Study of 28 women comparing those on birth control to those not on birth control. Women completed three exercise sessions and provided saliva and urine samples at rest and 30, 60, and 90 minutes after exercise.
What they found
Women on birth control had higher resting cortisol levels and their cortisol did not rise as much in response to exercise. Women not on birth control showed normal cortisol responses. Where women were in their menstrual cycle (follicular or luteal phase) made no difference to cortisol levels or stress response. Physical training made no difference.
What it means for you
Birth control pills may increase baseline stress hormone levels and weaken the body's normal stress response to exercise. Natural hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle do not affect cortisol. This is a small study that looked at single exercise sessions, not the long-term effects of birth control on stress or health.
28
women in study
9
birth control users
7
non-users
About the study
- Original title
- Oral contraception but not menstrual cycle phase is associated with increased free cortisol levels and low hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity
- Authors
- Boisseau N, Enea C, Diaz V et al.
- Journal
- Journal of endocrinological investigation
- Year
- 2013
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Observation of cortisol levels during exercise, comparing birth control users to non-users and comparing menstrual cycle phases
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3275/8971
Topics
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