Hormones Increase Risk of Injury to Women

A British osteopath says women are more likely to suffer sprains and other injuries at specific times in their menstrual cycle.

Dr. Stephen Sandler said fluctuating levels of estrogen and relaxin can weaken muscles and ligaments, the Daily Mail reported.

In the middle of an average 28-day cycle, women experience a dramatic drop in estrogen and are more susceptible to back or pelvic strain. Between days 24 to 26, levels of the hormone relaxin increase, which can lead to problems in the lower back and neck, he told the newspaper.

Sandler said he studied 17 women after noticing that female patients were coming to see him at specific times of their cycle. He also surveyed 1,000 osteopaths.

He said he hopes the findings will help female athletes to adapt their schedules to reduce the risk of injury.