Randomised trial, 1992
Does a triphasic birth control pill help premenstrual symptoms?
It reduced breast pain and bloating but did not help mood symptoms. Women also experienced decreased sexual interest as a side effect.
What they did
Eighty-two women with moderate to severe PMS made daily symptom ratings for at least one cycle, then were randomly assigned to take either a triphasic oral contraceptive or placebo for three months. Forty-five women with confirmed PMS completed the study.
What they found
Breast pain and bloating were significantly reduced with the birth control pill compared to placebo (p less than 0.03). There were no benefits over placebo for mood symptoms. Women taking the pill reported decreased sexual interest.
What it means for you
The birth control pill may help some physical PMS symptoms like breast pain and bloating but not mood symptoms, and comes with the side effect of reduced sexual interest. Many women dropped out, which limits confidence in the findings.
82
women recruited
45
women completed study
23
women dropped out
About the study
- Original title
- A prospective treatment study of premenstrual symptoms using a triphasic oral contraceptive
- Authors
- Graham CA, Sherwin BB
- Journal
- Journal of psychosomatic research
- Year
- 1992
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Triphasic oral contraceptive vs placebo for three months
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(92)90090-o
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2016
Do hormonal contraceptives reduce PMS symptoms?
Survey study, 1982
How common are premenstrual symptoms in American women, and what factors affect them?
Non-randomised trial, 1983
Do drugs that block prostaglandins help PMS?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?
Survey study, 2025
Do menstrual problems and poor sleep affect mood and thinking in teenage girls?
Case-control study, 2025
Do women with eating disorders experience more menstrual distress, and does birth control help?