AJSM January 2020 Podcast: The Effect of Oral Contraceptive Hormones on Anterior Cruciate Ligament Strength

Women are 2 to 9 times more likely to experience an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury than men. Various hormones including relaxin, progesterone, and estrogen influence ACL strength. Oral contraceptives (OCs) alter these hormone levels; however, studies have yet to comprehensively compare different OCs' effects on the ACL. In conclusion, OC formulations with higher progestin-to-estrogen ratios may be more protective for the ACL than formulations with lower ratios.   Click here to read the article.