30 Seconds Summary
Oral contraceptives don’t impact muscle growth and strength gains

  • The research review from May 2022 concluded that second- and third-generation oral contraceptives do not significantly impact strength gains or muscle hypertrophy.
  • Two new studies were examined, one of which was a formal publication of previously reviewed data from 2009, providing no new insights.
  • A new study involving 74 subjects assessed the effects of oral contraceptives on muscle growth and strength during a 12-week resistance training program.
  • Subjects, including both users and non-users of oral contraceptives, followed a regimented training schedule consisting of leg press sessions and recovery bodyweight squats.
  • Both groups showed gains in strength and muscle size, with no statistically significant differences observed between the oral contraceptive users and non-users.
  • This largest study to date on the subject confirms earlier findings that oral contraceptives do not meaningfully alter strength training outcomes.
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