In a study conducted at the University of Texas in March 2016, it was found that young women who used birth control pills experienced knee injuries at a much lower rate than those who did not, and this study was published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
The patients selected in the study were determined by examining national health records and official prescriptions.
24,428 young women aged between 15-19 were examined and their need for surgery due to anterior cruciate ligament injury was evaluated.
At the end of this evaluation; The need for surgery was lower in patients using birth control pills than in patients of the same age who did not use the pill. In other words, it has been observed that the anterior cruciate ligament injuries of young women using birth control pills healed without requiring surgery.
Researchers have suggested that the estrogen hormone weakens the anterior cruciate ligament tissues. In a previous study conducted by the research team, it was determined that anterior cruciate ligament injuries generally occur during women's menstrual periods, that is, when estrogen levels are high. Since the birth control pill balances the estrogen level, it eliminates the weakening role of estrogen in the knee ligaments.
As orthopedic surgeons, it is important for us to know the weakening role of the estrogen hormone on the anterior cruciate ligament. Birth control pills reduce this risk, especially in women aged 15-20. Therefore, young girls in this age range who are professionally involved in sports should be informed about birth control pills to provide appropriate conditions for the recovery process after their injuries and to prevent possible injuries.
It is worth mentioning; This study does not include repetitive ligament injuries. In other words, experts have not made any comments about the risk of new injuries that may occur after treatment for anterior cruciate ligament injury. Therefore, it is still unknown - within the framework of the studies conducted so far - how birth control pills will respond to an operated anterior cruciate ligament.
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