ACL Tears and the Menstrual Cycle: The Link Between Female Hormones and Ligament Injuries

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears are a common injury that affects many athletes, both male and female. However, female athletes are more prone to ACL tears than their male counterparts, and research suggests that the menstrual cycle may play a role in this gender disparity. In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between the menstrual cycle and ACL tears, and discuss how female hormones affect muscle function and ligament healing.

Estrogen and Progesterone: The Hormones that Affect Muscle Function

Estrogen and progesterone are two hormones that are present in varying levels throughout the menstrual cycle. Estrogen is the hormone that promotes muscle growth and repair, while progesterone promotes muscle relaxation. During the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, when estrogen levels are high, female athletes tend to have greater strength and power, making them more competitive on the field. However, during the luteal phase, when progesterone levels are high, female athletes are more prone to fatigue and weakness, making them more vulnerable to injury.

The Link Between Menstrual Cycle and ACL Tears

ACL tears typically occur during non-contact activities, such as jumping, pivoting, and cutting, which require high levels of muscle strength and coordination. During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when progesterone levels are high, female athletes are more prone to fatigue and weakness, which can affect their muscle control and coordination, and increase their risk of ACL injury. Furthermore, research suggests that female athletes who use hormonal birth control may be at an even greater risk of ACL tears, due to the altered levels of estrogen and progesterone in their bodies.

The Role of Hormones in Ligament Healing

In addition to affecting muscle function, estrogen, and progesterone also play a role in ligament healing. Estrogen promotes collagen synthesis, which is important for ligament strength and flexibility, while progesterone inhibits collagen synthesis, which can delay ligament healing. As a result, female athletes may experience slower and less effective ACL healing during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when progesterone levels are high.

There are many benefits to tracking your cycle—and understanding the Superpowers that are innately built into every phase of the infradian rhythm (menstrual cycle). The idea of mitigating the risk of injury is high on the list for athletes—while also knowing when focus and precision are at their peak as well.

In conclusion, the menstrual cycle can have a significant impact on female athletes' risk of ACL tears and the healing process. Female hormones, such as estrogen and progesterone, affect muscle function, coordination, and ligament healing in a manner that leaves female athletes prone to more injuries than men. Understanding the menstrual cycle and its impact on athletic performance can help female athletes take steps to reduce their risk of injury and optimize their recovery.