Survey study, 2017
Do women using hormonal birth control have fewer menstrual symptoms?
Most women have menstrual symptoms regardless of birth control use. Women not using hormonal contraception report slightly more symptoms on average (5.9 versus 5.3 symptoms).
What they did
5728 women aged 18-45 from 12 European countries completed an online survey in 2015. 2739 used hormonal birth control and 2989 did not. They reported symptoms around their periods over recent cycles.
What they found
93% of hormonal birth control users and 95% of non-users reported at least one symptom. Non-users reported an average of 5.9 symptoms compared to 5.3 for users. More than half in both groups reported pelvic pain, bloating, irritability, and mood swings. Non-users reported somewhat higher symptom severity overall, except for headaches. In the past four cycles, 60-75% of women did not need treatment for most symptoms.
What it means for you
Menstrual symptoms are very common in both groups. Hormonal birth control reduces the number and severity of symptoms but does not eliminate them. Most women manage symptoms without seeking treatment.
5728
women surveyed from 12 countries
93% to 95%
reported at least one symptom
5.3 vs 5.9
average symptoms (hormonal vs non-hormonal)
About the study
- Original title
- The inconvenience due to women's monthly bleeding (ISY) survey: a study of premenstrual symptoms among 5728 women in Europe
- Authors
- Lete I, Häusler G, Pintiaux A et al.
- Journal
- The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care : the official journal of the European Society of Contraception
- Year
- 2017
- Study design
- Survey study
- Participants
- 2,989
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/13625187.2017.1400001
Topics
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