Birth Control Pills Likely To Reduce Injury Risk In Athletes

Female athletes are more likely to develop an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than their male counterparts, and researchers have found the reason is because the hormone, estrogen weakens the ligament.

The ACL connects the top and bottom parts of the knee and an injury to it can have serious effects on an athlete's career.

In a study, researchers found women, not just athletes, who use birth control pills were less likely to suffer serious knee injuries because the medication lessens and stabilizes levels of estrogen in the body.

Another study earlier reported that ACL
injuries in women spike at times when levels of estrogen are high in their menstrual cycle.