--- title: Do hormonal birth control pills reduce PMS symptoms? | Niyora description: In this study, 86% of women experienced PMS symptoms regardless of whether they used hormonal or non-hormonal birth control. Although hormonal pills should th url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/premenstrual-syndrome-symptomatology-among-married-women-of-fertile-age-based-on-2013/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Do hormonal birth control pills reduce PMS symptoms? Survey study, 2013 # Do hormonal birth control pills reduce PMS symptoms? In this study, 86% of women experienced PMS symptoms regardless of whether they used hormonal or non-hormonal birth control. Although hormonal pills should theoretically reduce PMS, this effect was not observed. The authors note results should be interpreted cautiously. Early or limited evidence 400 married women of fertile age using hormonal (205) or non-hormonal (195) contraception ## What they did Cross-sectional study of 400 married women using contraception at 20 family healthcare clinics. 205 used hormonal birth control pills and 195 used non-hormonal methods. All completed a PMS questionnaire. ## What they found 345 subjects (86.25%) experienced at least one PMS symptom. Of those using hormonal contraceptives, 182 (88.8%) reported PMS symptoms. About 86% of all subjects showed moderate to severe PMS symptoms. ## What it means for you Hormonal birth control pills did not reduce PMS symptoms in this group, which contradicts the theory that these pills should help. However, this is a snapshot study and the authors caution against generalizing results. Other studies may find different outcomes. 400 married women studied 86.25% experienced at least one PMS symptom 88.8% using hormonal contraceptives had symptoms ## About the study Original title Premenstrual syndrome symptomatology among married women of fertile age based on methods of contraception (hormonal versus non-hormonal methods of contraception) Authors Bakhshani NM, Hosseinbor M, Shahraki Z et al. Journal Global journal of health science Year 2013 Study design Survey study Participants 400 What was tested Comparison of hormonal vs. non-hormonal contraceptive methods Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v6n2p105](https://doi.org/10.5539/gjhs.v6n2p105) Original abstract Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to the cyclic occurrence of a set of disturbing physical, emotional or behavioral alterations that are of sufficient severity to interfere with interpersonal relations and routine life. Normal variations in gonadal estrogen and progesterone lead to biochemical reactions in the brain, resulting in PMS symptoms. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of PMS and PMDD signs among married women of fertile age (MWFA) based on the methods of birth control. Method and materials: In a descriptive study, a number of 400 married women referring to 20 family healthcare clinics that use contraceptive methods were recruited and PMS questionnaire were administered to them. Results: From 400 subjects, 205 took oral contraceptive pills (hormonal methods of contraception) and 195 used other birth control methods (non-hormonal method). A number of 345 subjects (86.25%) at least experienced one PMS symptom and 55 subjects (13.75%) did not report any symptoms. Of those who use hormonal contraceptives (HCs), 182 (88.8%) reported PMS symptoms and 23(11.2) lacked any symptoms. Conclusion: About 86% of the subjects showed moderate to severe of PMS symptoms. Although using hormonal contraceptive method can theoretically reduce PMS symptoms, such effect was not observed in this study. The results of this research should be generalized with caution. Future studies are suggested. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pmdd/)[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Relationships and partners](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-relationships/) 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. ## Related studies Randomised trial, 2011 Does a 24/4 birth control pill help women with PMDD improve work, relationship, and social functioning? Review, 2026 What should doctors know about PMS and PMDD in teenagers? Case report, 2024 How is PMDD diagnosed and treated in teenagers? Survey study, 2008 Do severe physical symptoms during the menstrual cycle mean a woman will also have worse mood problems? Survey study, 2008 Do healthy women without PMDD have mood changes during their menstrual cycle? Study, 2008 How common is PMDD and how does it affect women's lives? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗