--- title: Does lower-dose estrogen in birth control pills help premenstrual mood more than higher-dose? description: Yes. Women taking 25 mcg estrogen were significantly more likely to improve in premenstrual mood than those on 35 mcg, though the reason for this is unclear. url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/the-effects-of-oral-contraceptives-on-androgen-levels-and-their-relevance-to-2007/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does lower-dose estrogen in birth control pills help premenstrual mood more than higher-dose? Randomised trial, 2007 # Does lower-dose estrogen in birth control pills help premenstrual mood more than higher-dose? Yes. Women taking 25 mcg estrogen were significantly more likely to improve in premenstrual mood than those on 35 mcg, though the reason for this is unclear. Early or limited evidence 48 university students (mean age 19.7 years, range 18-30), predominantly white and single ## What they did 60 university students (mean age 19.7 years) were randomly assigned to take either 25 or 35 mcg ethinylestradiol pills with the same progestin for 3 months. Both pills had the same triphasic progestin regimen. Researchers measured testosterone, mood using the Beck Depression Inventory, and sexual desire before and after 3 months. ## What they found Both pills lowered testosterone and its free form, but 35 mcg lowered it more. Women on 25 mcg were significantly more likely to show improvement in premenstrual mood. Sexual interest did not change with either pill. However, there was no correlation between testosterone changes and mood changes. ## What it means for you Lower-dose estrogen may be better for premenstrual mood, possibly because it preserves testosterone more. However, this was a small 3-month study in university students, which may not represent all women. The lack of correlation between testosterone and mood suggests the explanation is unclear. 48 women completed study 3 months of treatment 19.7 mean age in years ## About the study Original title The effects of oral contraceptives on androgen levels and their relevance to premenstrual mood and sexual interest: a comparison of two triphasic formulations containing norgestimate and either 35 or 25 microg of ethinyl estradiol Authors Greco T, Graham CA, Bancroft J et al. Journal Contraception Year 2007 Study design Randomised trial Participants 12 What was tested Birth control with 25 mcg or 35 mcg ethinylestradiol and norgestimate Read the paper [doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2007.04.002](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2007.04.002) ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Students and academic performance](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-education/) 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 Systematic review, 2020 How common is PMS among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia? Review, 1999 Does vitamin B6 supplement help treat PMS symptoms? Survey study, 2026 How common is PMS in female medical students and how much does it affect their daily life? Survey study, 2024 What factors are linked to PMS in school-age girls? Survey study, 2023 How common is PMS in high school girls and what helps them cope? Survey study, 2020 Is PMS common in female university students and linked to anxiety, depression, and stress? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗