Birth control pills inhibits muscle growth?

Dela

Dela

Cathlete
I just heard this story tonight on the news about how taking BC pills inhibits a woman's ability to build lean muscle mass. The study on this showed a difference of 60% more gain for those not taking the pills. I googled a bit more and found an article with a bit more info, that the type of pill with "high androgen" is the worst offender.

http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/AdditionalMeetings/13797

My Dr. appointment is in July, I'm going to switch my pills then to a low androgen brand then.
 
A workout journal is something you should get in the habit of keeping. Keeping track of things such as the amount of sets, reps and weight used can really help explode your workouts. A workout journal can help you to check what is working for you, what isn't and how you should conform your strength training to help make the most of your gains.
 
I've lifted weights consistently my entire adult life and can agree with this article. When I was on birth control pills, I had a harder time keeping my cuts, with the weak explanation from my doc being water retention birth control pills cause. I also had a weight gain of 7 pounds. When I was off bcp's I could tell the difference within three months, and if I had to take a break from lifting (more then 4 weeks) it was easier to retain muscle definition also.

Like the article stated, while on bcp's my dhea levels were non-existent. Off of them, and I'm in the middle of the healthy range.
 
Very interesting. Thanks for posting this. I'm going to talk to my doc. I only take bcp for regulation since having my tubes tied. Now I'm rethinking it. Thanks!
 
I think it largely depends on the person and the dosage of the drug. I was on Loestrin (just quit this month due to hair loss) but I built muscle just fine. Actually, probably more than I ever have but I was also on STS for the second time so who's to say - maybe I would have built even more being off Loestrin. One thing is for sure - I immediately lost a layer of water weight when I quit. For now, I am quite happy to be on no BCP, but that probably won't last. I hate hormones!
 
:DOh HI DD!! I started my reply, took Halle to school, just came back and finished and posted, then saw the other responses. :D
 
Bradford said:
A workout journal is something you should get in the habit of keeping. Keeping track of things such as the amount of sets, reps and weight used can really help explode your workouts. A workout journal can help you to check what is working for you, what isn't and how you should conform your strength training to help make the most of your gains.
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Um. Subtle.

Anyway, in response to the actual topic, I have noticed significant differences in my body off the pill. Fewer cravings, 2 inches vanished from my hips, I have more energy during workouts and my strength has been improving much more quickly. I just went off the pill after about 14 years and the changes are extremely noticeable.
 
Afreet said:
Um. Subtle.

Anyway, in response to the actual topic, I have noticed significant differences in my body off the pill. Fewer cravings, 2 inches vanished from my hips, I have more energy during workouts and my strength has been improving much more quickly. I just went off the pill after about 14 years and the changes are extremely noticeable.
Click to expand...

But have you noticed any mood changes?
 
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