AUTHOR=Bougault Valérie , Schiano-Lomoriello Sandrine , Castanier Carole , Buisson Corinne , Ericsson Magnus , Teulier Caroline , Collomp Katia
TITLE=Physical activity and combined hormonal contraception: association with female students’ perception of menstrual symptoms
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Physiology
VOLUME=14
YEAR=2023
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2023.1185343
DOI=10.3389/fphys.2023.1185343
ISSN=1664-042X
ABSTRACT=Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical activity (PA) and combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) on female students’ self perceptio of their menstrual cycle symptoms.
Methods: Healthy French female students (n = 834) completed an online questionnaire to assess their PA level (Group 1: non-active; Group 2: moderate physical activity; Group 3: high physical activity; Group 4: very high physical activity), menstrual status or contraception use, self-reported diet and medication, impact on engagement in some social activities, and self-assessment of perceived mental and physical symptoms during the week prior to menses (PM) for students with a normal menstrual cycle (NMC), and the week of menses (ME) for normal menstrual cycle students and those using combined hormonal contraception.
Results: Whatever the conditions (PM and ME, NMC and CHC), fewer self-perceived symptoms and self-reported alteration in fat intake were reported by the students in Group 4, and more analgesic and anti-inflammatory medication use was reported by Group 1. Fewer self-perceived symptoms were also found in CHC vs NMC female students for all physical activity levels, but in a more marked way when associated with very high physical activity. In addition, less university and sports practice absenteeism was observed with high and very high physical activity.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the perception of menstrual cycle symptoms was lower with very high physical activity, as with combined hormonal contraception. Moreover, female students training more than 5 h/week also reported less university absenteeism and impairment in physical activities. Further studies are necessary to establish the causal link of physical activity and combined hormonal contraception on menstrual symptoms.