Cohort study, 2016
Does switching to birth control with natural estrogen improve quality of life and PMS?
Yes, women who switched to birth control containing natural estrogen had significant improvements in quality of life and PMS symptoms within 6 months. Most women stayed on it with few side effects.
What they did
Observational study at multiple Spanish clinics. 857 women attended baseline and 6-month visits. Three groups were compared: women using condoms who continued, women using condoms who switched to natural estrogen birth control, and women using older-type estrogen who switched to natural estrogen. Quality of life was measured at baseline and 6 months.
What they found
785 women completed the study. Women who switched from condoms (n=224) had the largest improvement in quality of life. Women who switched from older-type birth control (n=489) also showed significant improvement. Continuation rate was 91.4% and 1.7% reported side effects.
What it means for you
Switching to natural estrogen birth control improves quality of life, especially for women dissatisfied with their previous method. Most women tolerated it well and continued using it. The study was done in Spain, so results may differ elsewhere. Specific PMS symptom improvements are not detailed.
785
women completed study
91.4%
continuation rate
1.7%
reported side effects
About the study
- Original title
- Effect on quality of life of switching to combined oral contraception based on natural estrogen: an observational, multicentre, prospective phase IV study (ZOCAL Study)
- Authors
- Lete I, de la Viuda E, Pérez-Campos E et al.
- Journal
- The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception
- Year
- 2016
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 857
- What was tested
- Combined oral contraception based on natural estrogen
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3109/13625187.2016.1174206
Topics
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