Randomised trial, 2018
Does an oral contraceptive with drospirenone reduce premenstrual worsening of Meniere's disease?
Yes. The oral contraceptive combined with rehabilitation significantly improved dizziness and balance over 6 months, with the contraceptive group showing much better symptom improvement than rehabilitation alone.
What they did
A non-randomized controlled study of 42 women with Meniere's disease (inner-ear condition causing dizziness, hearing loss, tinnitus) that worsened before their period. 16 women took an oral contraceptive with drospirenone plus rehabilitation; 20 did rehabilitation alone. Balance and symptom distress were measured at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.
What they found
At 6 months, the oral contraceptive plus rehabilitation group had a distress score of 39.2 ± 3.8 compared to 68.8 ± 3.6 in the rehabilitation-alone group (p<0.001). Balance improvements were also significantly better in the contraceptive group at 3 and 6 months.
What it means for you
This oral contraceptive may reduce premenstrual flare-ups of Meniere's disease, possibly by preventing fluid buildup in the inner ear. However, this only applies to women whose Meniere's symptoms worsen before their period. The study wasn't randomized and was small, so stronger evidence is needed.
39.2 vs 68.8
distress score at 6 months (contraceptive vs rehabilitation)
p<0.001
statistical significance
42
women studied
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of combined oral contraception containing drospirenone on premenstrual exacerbation of Meniere's disease: Preliminary study
- Authors
- Caruso S, Mauro D, Maiolino L et al.
- Journal
- European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- What was tested
- 20 microgram ethinylestradiol with 3 mg drospirenone oral contraceptive in continuous regimen combined with rehabilitation therapy.
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2018.03.015
Topics
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