---
title: Which contraceptive methods are safest for women with PMDD? | Niyora
description: Combined hormonal pills (especially 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol with 3 mg drospirenone) and copper IUDs help PMDD symptoms. Progestin-only methods may worsen moo
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/contraception-counseling-for-women-with-premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd-2019/
---

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- Which contraceptive methods are safest for women with PMDD?

Review, 2019

# Which contraceptive methods are safest for women with PMDD?

Combined hormonal pills (especially 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol with 3 mg drospirenone) and copper IUDs help PMDD symptoms. Progestin-only methods may worsen mood and need careful monitoring.

 Moderate study design

Women of reproductive age with PMDD (up to 7%)

## What they did

Review of evidence on contraceptive options for women with PMDD and how different methods affect PMDD symptoms and mood.

## What they found

Combined hormonal pills with 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg drospirenone in 24/4 extended cycle significantly improve emotional and physical symptoms of PMDD. SSRIs also treat PMDD. Copper IUDs are recommended for those avoiding hormones. Progestin-only pills, hormone IUDs, implants, and injections may worsen mood.

## What it means for you

If you have PMDD and need contraception, hormonal pills or copper IUDs are safer choices. Progestin-only methods need careful monitoring because they may make mood symptoms worse.

7%

of reproductive age women with PMDD

20 mcg

ethinyl estradiol dose

3 mg

drospirenone dose

## About the study

Original title Contraception counseling for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): current perspectives Authors Rapkin AJ, Korotkaya Y, Taylor KC Journal Open access journal of contraception Year 2019 Study design Review What was tested Multiple contraceptive methods reviewed Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.2147/oajc.s183193](https://doi.org/10.2147/oajc.s183193)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Low mood and depression](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-depression-mood/)[SSRIs and antidepressants](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-ssri/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Neurosteroids (allopregnanolone)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-neurosteroids/)[Psychotherapy, counselling and education](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-psychotherapy/)[Work and productivity](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-work/)

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.

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