Randomised trial, 2011
Does a 24/4 birth control pill help women with PMDD improve work, relationship, and social functioning?
Yes. The pill significantly improved problems at work, in relationships, and in social activities compared to placebo, with the greatest improvements appearing in the first cycle.
What they did
This was a secondary analysis of a double-blind, randomized trial. 232 women received ethinyl estradiol 20 micrograms with drospirenone 3 mg in a 24/4 regimen (24 days of active pills, 4 days of inactive pills), and 218 women received placebo. Women completed daily symptom ratings for 3 cycles.
What they found
The pill group showed significant improvements compared to placebo in work functioning, relationship functioning, and social functioning. The greatest decreases appeared in cycle 1, with reductions of 47-48% across the three functional areas. Smaller additional improvements continued through cycle 3.
What it means for you
This birth control regimen appears effective at helping women with PMDD regain functioning in work, relationships, and social activities, with most benefit occurring in the first cycle. The study was large and well-designed, though results apply specifically to this pill regimen.
232
women with PMDD on active pill
218
women on placebo
47-48%
functional improvement in cycle 1
About the study
- Original title
- Ethinyl estradiol 20μg/drospirenone 3mg 24/4 oral contraceptive for the treatment of functional impairment in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Authors
- Marr J, Heinemann K, Kunz M et al.
- Journal
- International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
- Year
- 2011
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 232
- What was tested
- Ethinyl estradiol 20 micrograms/drospirenone 3 mg in 24/4 regimen vs placebo for 3 cycles
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.10.029
Topics
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