Randomised trial, 2012
Does continuous birth control with levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol reduce PMDD and PMS symptoms?
Four studies found that continuous birth control reduced symptoms by 30-81%, depending on study type. However, results varied and a large placebo effect was observed in controlled trials.
What they did
Four studies evaluated continuous oral contraceptive containing levonorgestrel 90mcg and ethinyl estradiol 20mcg. Three were randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials, and one was an open-label single-treatment study. Symptom improvement was measured using standard questionnaires.
What they found
Mean symptom improvement ranged from 30% to 59% in the three placebo-controlled trials and 56% to 81% in the open-label study. A large placebo effect was observed in the placebo-controlled trials. The treatment had a favorable safety profile.
What it means for you
Continuous birth control may reduce PMDD and PMS symptoms in women who are appropriate candidates for hormonal contraception. The variable results across studies and the large placebo effect suggest that the true benefit may be smaller than some figures suggest.
30-59%
symptom improvement in controlled trials
56-81%
improvement in open-label study
4 studies
reviewed
About the study
- Original title
- An overview of four studies of a continuous oral contraceptive (levonorgestrel 90 mcg/ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg) on premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premenstrual syndrome
- Authors
- Freeman EW, Halbreich U, Grubb GS et al.
- Journal
- Contraception
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- Continuous oral contraceptive with levonorgestrel 90mcg and ethinyl estradiol 20mcg
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2011.09.010
Topics
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