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Antiandrogens in hormonal contraception limit muscle strength gain in strength training: comparison study
Lana Ruzić1, Branka R Matković, Goran Leko
1Zagreb University School of Kinesiology, Horvacanski zavoj 15, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. lruzic@ffk.hr
Aim:
To determine antiandrogen effects on muscle strength gain and fat-free mass increase during exercise in women using hormonal contraception with antiandrogen content.
Methods:
The study included 50 women (age range, 18-30 years; mean-/+SD, 26-/+3) using hormonal contraception for at least 12 months before the beginning of the study. They were divided into two groups: "antiandrogen" group (n=26) and "estrogen-progestogen" group (n=24) groups. The subjects participated in strength training sessions 3 times a week during 16 weeks. Initially, there were no differences between the groups in fat-free mass, muscle strength, or maximum oxygen uptake. The parameters were measured before, during, and after the training period.
Results:
After the training period, the mean increase of fat-free mass was significantly greater in the estrogen-progestogen group (p<0.001). The mean gain in the muscle strength (in Newtons) was also more evident in estrogen-progestogen group (1289.0-/+17.1 N vs 101.9-/+18.5 N; p<0.001). There were no differences in the maximum oxygen consumption (VO(2)max).
Conclusion:
Antiandrogens had a negative effect on muscle strength, minimizing the effects of strength training in women. Hormonal contraception containing antiandrogens should be avoided in young exercising women.