--- title: Do birth control pills with drospirenone help PMDD? | Niyora description: Birth control pills containing drospirenone in a 24/4 formulation appear to help both physical and mood symptoms of PMDD based on randomized trials. However, url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/safety-efficacy-actions-and-patient-acceptability-of-drospirenone-ethinyl-2010/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do birth control pills with drospirenone help PMDD? Randomised trial, 2010 # Do birth control pills with drospirenone help PMDD? Birth control pills containing drospirenone in a 24/4 formulation appear to help both physical and mood symptoms of PMDD based on randomized trials. However, because placebo effects were strong, more research is needed to confirm how much improvement comes from the drug itself. Moderate study design Reproductive-age women with PMDD (review of published trials) ## What they did Review of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials testing drospirenone combined with 20 micrograms of ethinyl estradiol in a 24/4 formulation (active pills for 24 days, placebo for 4 days) in women with PMDD. ## What they found The drospirenone pills improved both physical symptoms (fluid retention, acne, excess hair) and mood symptoms in women with PMDD. The pills were safe with no adverse effects on carbohydrate metabolism, lipids, blood pressure, weight, potassium levels, or blood clots. Patients reported good compliance and satisfaction. ## What it means for you This treatment could help PMDD, which affects 3% to 8% of reproductive-age women. The pills are safe and improve both physical and mood symptoms. However, placebo effects were significant in trials, so we cannot be completely sure how much improvement comes from the drug versus expecting it to work. Larger trials are needed. 3-8% reproductive-age women with PMDD 20 μg ethinyl estradiol per pill 24/4 active/placebo days formulation ## About the study Original title Safety, efficacy, actions, and patient acceptability of drospirenone/ethinyl estradiol contraceptive pills in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder Authors Breech LL, Braverman PK Journal International journal of women's health Year 2010 Study design Randomised trial What was tested Drospirenone with 20 micrograms ethinyl estradiol in 24/4 formulation Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s4338](https://doi.org/10.2147/ijwh.s4338) ## 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/)[Diuretics and other drugs](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diuretics-other-drugs/) Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits. Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2008 Does drospirenone with ethinyl estradiol birth control help PMDD? Randomised trial, 2003 What treatments work for PMS and PMDD? Randomised trial, 2007 Does drospirenone/ethinylestradiol birth control help PMDD symptoms? Randomised trial, 2001 Does an oral contraceptive with drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol treat PMDD? Randomised trial, 2007 Does the birth control pill containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol help treat PMDD? Review, 1991 What treatments are available for late luteal phase dysphoric disorder? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗