Oral contraceptives do not increase blood pressure in Women-Study

NEWS CHARIOT (Chennai, Nov.21) : According to the study done by the researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Oral contraceptives do not increase the blood pressure response in women during large muscle exercises like cycling or running.

Oral contraceptives or birth control pills are taken by women to prevent pregnancy and reduce acne, menstrual cramps, and the risk of ovarian cysts. But certain oral contraceptives are known to raise resting blood pressure, the exercise blood pressure response during intense exercises is not currently well understood.

The researchers, including from the University of Minnesota, US, found that both oral contraceptive use and general fluctuations in endogenous ovarian hormone (like estrogens) in young women (20-25 years of age), did not influence blood pressure.

“The findings of this study have wide application and are important as it sheds light on the influence of oral contraceptives on blood pressure response to exercise in women,” said Dr.A.J.Ninitha, the Assistant Professor, Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras.

“The next step of this work is to determine if the  Exercise Pressor Reflex (EPR) is a contributing factor to the cardiovascular risk in menopausal females,” said Dr. Manda Keller Ross, Assistant Professor at the University of Minnesota.

#Oral Contraceptives

#Blood Pressure

#Exercise Physiology

#Women’s Health

#IIT Madras

#Medical Research

#Cardiovascular Health

#Fitness and Hormones