Randomised trial, 2014
Does YAZ birth control pill reduce premenstrual dysphoric disorder symptoms?
YAZ improved PMDD symptoms more than placebo, but the difference was not statistically significant in this study. The pill was generally well tolerated.
What they did
187 women with PMDD were randomly assigned to YAZ (drospirenone 3 mg and ethinylestradiol 20 µg, n=93) or placebo (n=94). The study lasted 84 days with 2 run-in cycles and 3 treatment cycles. Pills were taken for 24 days followed by 4 days of inactive pills. Symptoms were tracked daily using DRSP and CGI scales.
What they found
The YAZ group improved more than baseline (median improvement minus 28.7) compared to placebo (median improvement minus 23.7), but this difference was not statistically significant. Main side effects were intermenstrual bleeding (13% YAZ versus 3% placebo), menorrhagia (9% versus 1%), nausea (5% versus 4%), and skin rash (4% versus 2%).
What it means for you
YAZ may help PMDD symptoms, but this multicenter study did not prove it was significantly better than placebo. The most common side effect was intermenstrual bleeding. Larger studies may be needed to confirm benefit.
187
Total women in study
-28.7
YAZ group median improvement
-23.7
Placebo group median improvement
About the study
- Original title
- [Efficacy and safety of a combined oral contraceptive containing drospirenone 3 mg and ethinylestradiol 20 µg in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a randomized, double blind placebo-controlled study]
- Authors
- Fu Y, Mi W, Li L et al.
- Journal
- Zhonghua fu chan ke za zhi
- Year
- 2014
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 94
- What was tested
- YAZ (drospirenone 3 mg and ethinylestradiol 20 µg) or placebo
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3760/cma.j.issn.0529-567x.2014.07.007
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