Das Projekt «Pattern of Injuries During Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle – A Prospective Cohort Study» widmet sich einem bislang wenig erforschten Bereich der Unfall- und Sportmedizin. Ziel der prospektiven Kohortenstudie ist es, zu untersuchen, ob bestimmte Verletzungsmuster in unterschiedlichen Phasen des Menstruationszyklus gehäuft auftreten und welchen Einfluss hormonelle Schwankungen sowie hormonelle Verhütungsmittel auf das Verletzungsrisiko haben.
Die Erkenntnisse sollen dazu beitragen, biologische Unterschiede zwischen Frauen und Männern in der medizinischen Forschung besser zu berücksichtigen und langfristig gezieltere Präventionsstrategien für Patientinnen zu entwickeln.
Bereits zuvor wurde das Projekt von swiss orthopaedics mit einem Forschungsbeitrag von CHF 20'000 unterstützt. Die zusätzliche Förderung durch die Burgergemeinde Bern unterstreicht die Relevanz des Forschungsvorhabens.
Wir gratulieren Dr. Christian Tinner herzlich!
Project Summary (Originaltext)
Pattern of Injuries During Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle – A Prospective Cohort Study
Important biological differences between men and women have often been underrepresented in clinical and sports medicine research. As a result, research on the menstrual cycle and hormonal influences in relation to traumatic injuries has become increasingly important. Growing evidence suggests that biological sex and hormonal fluctuations may influence injury risk, tissue response, and recovery processes. Despite these potential effects, the impact of cyclical hormonal changes on injury patterns and recovery remains insufficiently understood, highlighting a significant gap in the current literature.
Fluctuating hormone levels during the menstrual cycle can affect the mechanical properties of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. For example, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been reported to occur more frequently during the ovulatory phase, when estrogen levels peak, possibly due to increased ligament laxity. However, current findings remain inconsistent. In addition, menstrual irregularities such as oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea have been associated with higher injury rates. Hormonal contraceptives, which many female athletes use, may also influence injury risk and could potentially have a protective effect. Despite the growing body of research, many studies are limited by small sample sizes and a predominant focus on knee injuries, leaving broader injury patterns underexplored.
The primary aim of this study is to determine the distribution of injuries occurring during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Secondary objectives include analyzing injury types, locations, and causes across phases, and assessing the impact of hormonal contraception on injury risk.
To address these questions, a prospective cohort study will be conducted over 21 months. Menstruating female patients who are over the age of 18 and present to the emergency department with an acute injury will be eligible for inclusion. A structured interview will be conducted to assess the cause and circumstances of the injury. The menstrual cycle phase will then be determined through laboratory analysis of hormone levels (Serum estradiol, progesterone, LH, and FSH). Patients with severe injuries (polytrauma or severe head injuries), intoxication, or those requiring immediate emergency treatment will be excluded.
The timing of each accident will be categorized into one of four menstrual cycle phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, or luteal. Injury type, cause, severity, and anatomical location will then be analyzed across these phases.
This study aims to provide important insights into injury vulnerability throughout the menstrual cycle and to inform the development of improved injury-prevention strategies for female patients.
