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.
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
Topics
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