Does chronic oral contraceptive use detrimentally affect C-reactive protein or iron status for endurance-trained women?

PURPOSE: Chronic use of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) is reported to increase C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in premenopausal females. METHODS: A secondary analysis of data from two research studies in eumenorrheic (n = 8) and OCP (n = 8) female athletes. Basal CRP and iron parameters were included in the analysis. Sample collection occurred following a standardized exercise and nutritional control for 24 h. Eumenorrheic females were tested in the early-follicular and mid-luteal phases, and the OCP users were tested in quasi-follicular and quasi-luteal phases (both active pill periods). RESULTS: A main effect for group (p < 0.01) indicated that average CRP concentration was higher in OCP users compared with eumenorrheic females, regardless of the day of measurement within the cycle. Results demonstrate a degree of iron parameters moderation throughout the menstrual cycle that is influenced by basal CRP levels; however, no linear relationship with CRP, serum iron, and ferritin was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Basal CRP values were consistently higher in the OCP group despite participants being in a rested state. These results may indicate a potential risk of cardiovascular disease in prolonged users of the OCP when compared to eumenorrheic female athletes.

Keywords

cardiovascular risk, exercise, females, inflammation, ovarian hormones, Humans, Female, Iron, C-Reactive Protein, Cardiovascular Diseases, Ferritins, Contraceptives, Oral

Citation

Badenhorst CE, Govus AD, Mündel T. (2023). Does chronic oral contraceptive use detrimentally affect C-reactive protein or iron status for endurance-trained women?. Physiol Rep. 11. 14. (pp. e15777-).

URI

https://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/69925

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