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.
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
Topics
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