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Review, 2011

Does drospirenone/ethinylestradiol birth control help PMDD?

Yes. This birth control pill combination has shown highly satisfactory results for premenstrual dysphoric syndrome and helps reduce fluid retention and acne.

Early or limited evidence Women taking oral contraceptives, including those with PMDD

What they did

Review article examining the contraceptive and non-contraceptive benefits of ethinylestradiol 20 micrograms combined with drospirenone 3 milligrams.

What they found

The ethinylestradiol 20 µg and drospirenone 3 mg combination demonstrated highly satisfactory results in women with premenstrual dysphoric syndrome. The drospirenone component has antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity, resulting in less fluid retention and lower rates of adverse events. The combination also improves acne.

What it means for you

This birth control pill may help PMDD symptoms and reduce bloating and acne. This is a review of existing evidence rather than new research, so the abstract does not specify how many women benefit or how much symptoms improve.

20 µg

Ethinylestradiol dose

3 mg

Drospirenone dose

About the study

Original title
Drospirenone/ethinylestradiol: a review on efficacy and noncontraceptive benefits
Authors
Machado RB, Pompei Lde M, Giribela AG et al.
Journal
Women's health (London, England)
Year
2011
Study design
Review
What was tested
Ethinylestradiol 20 µg and drospirenone 3 mg oral contraceptive
Open access
Yes

Topics