Chennai: Researchers from IIT Madras and the University of Minnesota have explored the effects of oral contraceptives on blood pressure in women during dynamic exercise, addressing gaps in understanding cardiovascular responses in female athletes.

While oral contraceptives are known to elevate resting blood pressure, their influence during activities like cycling or running remains unclear.

The study focused on young women (20-25 years) and analyzed how oral contraceptives and hormonal fluctuations impact blood pressure during lower body exercises. The findings revealed that neither oral contraceptives nor menstrual cycle phases significantly influenced blood pressure or the Exercise Pressor Reflex (EPR)—a key mechanism increasing blood flow during physical exertion.

Led by Dr. Ninitha A.J. of IIT Madras and Dr. Manda Keller Ross of the University of Minnesota, the study was supported by India's Science and Engineering Research Board and the US National Institutes of Health. Their work, published in the American Journal of Physiology, highlights that oral contraceptives do not exacerbate exercise-induced blood pressure responses in healthy young women.

This research has broader implications, especially for female athletes, as 70% reportedly use oral contraceptives. Future studies aim to examine EPR's role in cardiovascular risks during menopause, offering insights into women's cardiovascular health across their lifespan.