Side effects from hormonal contraceptive use
A variety of side effects, such as breast pain, bloating, mood changes, fatigue, and cravings can often accompany hormonal contraceptive use[1].
Please note: Side effects typically tend to improve within the first three to five months of continued use.
It’s very likely that these side effects could have knock-on effects on your performance out on the golf course. Unless, of course, we manage them appropriately. Whilst we still have many unanswered questions about side effects from hormonal contraceptive use – from how they occur to their effects on our health and sporting performance – you'll be pleased to hear that there might be some ways in which we can help to manage them.
Check out this article (‘Menstrual Cycle: Managing symptoms’) that includes some tips on managing some of the most reported side effects.
Please note: If you’re experiencing lots of side effects, it might be a good idea to speak with your doctor/GP to see if the type of hormonal contraception you’re using is the best fit for you, or if another type might reduce the side effects you’re experiencing.
Top tip: Try not to start hormonal contraception or change your hormonal contraceptive type a couple of months before a big sporting event or competition. Side effects, as well as negative reactions, might occur and are more likely to be experienced during the first three months of hormonal contraceptive use. These might then have a negative knock-on effect on your golf performance. Instead, if you want to start or change your hormonal contraception, try to do it well in advance (three or more months) so that you can be sure that it’s working for you.
Tracking your hormonal contraceptive use
Tracking hormonal contraceptive use allows you to understand the likes of any side effects that you might be experiencing and then what all this might mean for your golf performance.
Tracking your hormonal contraceptive use can be done in largely the same way as tracking your menstrual cycle, such as using a phone app, a calendar, or pen and paper.
Please note: Most apps have been designed for naturally menstruating women/girls and don’t allow you to input your hormonal contraceptive information and therefore might provide you with inaccurate insights.
When it comes to what to track, a good place to start is tracking any withdrawal or breakthrough bleeds that you experience, as well as any side effects. You might also choose to track certain golf performance and training metrics.
You can then review this data, looking out for any patterns, such as when your withdrawal or breakthrough bleeds occur and any reoccurring side effects. Once you’ve identified any patterns (if any), it's time to put strategies in place to either minimise issues or maximise positive outcomes. Finally, you might choose to share this data – if you wanted to and felt it was important – with a coach, parent, doctor/GP, etc.
Top tip: Track for a minimum of three months of hormonal contraceptive use before you start to interpret any of the data. Additionally, you might choose to track any changes when you’re using hormonal contraception and compare them to when you’re not. Importantly, if you need protection from an unplanned pregnancy then please use other non-hormonal forms of contraception during this time. Remember that it takes approximately three months to get used to a HC type or approximately three months to settle back into a natural menstrual cycle after use.
References
[1]McNulty, K. L., Ansdell, P., Goodall, S., Thomas, K., Elliott-Sale, K. J., Howatson, G., & Hicks, K. M. (2023). The symptoms experienced by naturally menstruating women and oral contraceptive pill users and their perceived effects on exercise performance and recovery time posttraining. Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, 32(1).