Randomised trial, 2021
Does a nomegestrol acetate oral contraceptive help mood symptoms in PMDD?
Most women (74.5%) reported improved mood, and depression, anxiety, and stress scores improved significantly. This was an early feasibility study without a control group, so we need stronger evidence.
What they did
Researchers at an Australian psychiatry clinic invited women previously diagnosed with PMDD to take a nomegestrol acetate and 17-beta estradiol oral contraceptive. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale questionnaire before starting the pill and again after treatment.
What they found
35 women (74.5%) reported a positive mood response; 31 (63.3%) continued taking the pill; 10 (20.4%) stopped due to side effects; overall depression, anxiety and stress scores improved significantly (p<0.05).
What it means for you
This pill may help mood symptoms in PMDD, but it's very early evidence. The study had no control group, 67% of women had PTSD, and the researchers themselves say a proper randomized trial is needed. Results may not apply to all women with PMDD.
74.5%
reported improved mood
63.3%
continued taking the pill
20.4%
stopped due to side effects
About the study
- Original title
- Pilot Data on the Feasibility And Clinical Outcomes of a Nomegestrol Acetate Oral Contraceptive Pill in Women With Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Authors
- Robertson E, Thew C, Thomas N et al.
- Journal
- Frontiers in endocrinology
- Year
- 2021
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 21
- What was tested
- Nomegestrol acetate (2.5 mg) and 17-beta estradiol (1.5 mg) oral contraceptive.
- Open access
- Yes
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.704488
Original abstract
Background: Up to 80% of reproductive-aged women experience premenstrual symptoms. Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form, affecting 2-5% of women. Combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) are used in the treatment of PMDD. Clinical practice suggests that a newer COCP containing nomegestrol acetate (2.5mg) and 17-beta estradiol (1.5mg), may be a suitable treatment for mood symptoms in PMDD. Materials and methods: This was a clinical follow-up feasibility study of women who had attended the Monash Alfred Psychiatry research centre, Women's Mental Health Clinic, with a diagnosis of PMDD. 67% of the sample also had concurrent cPTSD, 29% co-morbid anxiety, and 20% depression. They were recommended treatment with nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol. Eligible women were contacted by telephone to answer a questionnaire to assess women's subjective response to nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol, acceptability and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) after being recommended nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol. The paired-sample t-test was used to determine if there were any statistically significant differences in the DASS-21 scores over the study observation period (before and after taking nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol). Results: 35 (74.5%) women reported a subjective positive mood response to nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol, 31 (63.3%) adhered to the medication, and only 10 (20.4%) women reported side effects as the main reason for discontinuing nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol. There were statistically significant reductions ( p 0.05) in the overall DASS-21 scores from before women commenced nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol and after commencement of treatment. Conclusions: This preliminary study supports the acceptability and effectiveness of nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol as a treatment for mood symptoms in PMDD. Further research, particularly a randomized controlled trial, is required to elucidate the effect of nomegestrol acetate/17-beta estradiol treatment on mood in PMDD.
Reproduced under CC-BY.
Topics
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