---
title: Does continuous birth control with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol reduce PMDD and PMS symptoms?
description: Four studies found that continuous birth control reduced symptoms by 30-81%, depending on study type. However, results varied and a large placebo effect was o
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/an-overview-of-four-studies-of-a-continuous-oral-contraceptive-levonorgestrel-90-2012/
---

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- Does continuous birth control with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol reduce PMDD and PMS symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2012

# Does continuous birth control with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol reduce PMDD and PMS symptoms?

Four studies found that continuous birth control reduced symptoms by 30-81%, depending on study type. However, results varied and a large placebo effect was observed in controlled trials.

 Moderate study design

Women with PMDD and PMS across four separate studies

## What they did

Four studies evaluated continuous oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel 90mcg and ethinyl estradiol 20mcg. Three were randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials, and one was an open-label single-treatment study. Symptom improvement was measured using standard questionnaires.

## What they found

Mean symptom improvement ranged from 30% to 59% in the three placebo-controlled trials and 56% to 81% in the open-label study. A large placebo effect was observed in the placebo-controlled trials. The treatment had a favorable safety profile.

## What it means for you

Continuous birth control may reduce PMDD and PMS symptoms in women who are appropriate candidates for hormonal contraception. The variable results across studies and the large placebo effect suggest that the true benefit may be smaller than some figures suggest.

30-59%

symptom improvement in controlled trials

56-81%

improvement in open-label study

4 studies

reviewed

## About the study

Original title An overview of four studies of a continuous oral contraceptive (levonorgestrel 90 mcg/ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg) on premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome Authors Freeman EW, Halbreich U, Grubb GS et al. Journal Contraception Year 2012 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Continuous oral contraceptive with levonorgestrel 90mcg and ethinyl estradiol 20mcg Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2011.09.010](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2011.09.010)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Major depressive disorder](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-major-depression/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

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