Hormonal birth control is associated with altered gut microbiota β-diversity in physically active females across the menstrual cycle: a pilot trial
J. L. B. C. Brito, Gregory J. Grosicki, Austin T. Robinson, Jared W. Coburn, Pablo B. Costa, Kristen E. Holmes, G. Reid Lyon, Zoe Hakonsson, Federica Conti, Andrew J. Galpin
Abstract
This study is the first to investigate interactions between hormonal contraception and the gut microbiota in a cohort of physically active young females across the menstrual cycle. Our findings suggest that hormonal contraception may influence gut microbiota composition, potentially through a reduced relative abundance of short-chain fatty acid-producing taxa. Experimental studies are needed to confirm these associations and explore their potential implications for metabolism, health, and performance.
Topics & Concepts
Menstrual cycleGut floraHormoneBeta diversityBiologyPhysiologyEstrogenAlpha diversityInternal medicineEndocrinologyFecesSpecies richnessMedicineEcologyImmunologyDiet and metabolism studiesDietary Effects on HealthGut microbiota and health