Skip to content

Review, 2014

Do birth control pills help PMS?

Yes. Birth control pills can treat and prevent premenstrual syndrome according to this review, though the abstract does not provide specific details about the strength of benefit.

Early or limited evidence Women taking combined oral contraceptives (review of literature)

What they did

Review article summarizing the non-contraceptive health benefits of combined oral contraceptives, including their effects on premenstrual syndrome.

What they found

The review identifies premenstrual syndrome as one of several conditions that can be treated or prevented with birth control pills. The authors note that these non-contraceptive benefits are often underestimated and that most women are unaware of them.

What it means for you

Birth control pills may help with PMS, but this is a review summarizing existing evidence rather than presenting new research. The abstract does not provide specific numbers about how many women benefit or how much symptoms improve.

About the study

Original title
Combined oral contraceptives: health benefits beyond contraception
Authors
Caserta D, Ralli E, Matteucci E et al.
Journal
Panminerva medica
Year
2014
Study design
Review
What was tested
None—review of existing evidence on combined oral contraceptive benefits

Topics