The ACL...Period
So, an article came out about FIFA finally investigating the link between a woman's menstrual cycle and ACL tears. Doctor Sarah Long and I talked about this on an Instagram live in October 2023. The menstrual cycle affects female athletes in various ways due to hormonal fluctuations, particularly involving estrogen and progesterone. These hormones can influence muscle, ligament, and tendon strength throughout the cycle. Here's how and why: 1. Hormonal Fluctuations Across the Menstrual Cycle The menstrual cycle typically lasts around 28 days and can be divided into three main phases: - Follicular phase (Day 1–14): Begins with menstruation; estrogen gradually increases. - Ovulation (Around Day 14): Estrogen peaks; surge in luteinizing hormone (LH). - Luteal phase (Day 15–28): Progesterone rises; estrogen drops slightly and then rises again. These hormonal changes affect connective tissues and muscles in several ways. 2. Estrogen and Tissue Laxity Estrogen has been shown ...