Non-randomised trial, 2010
Does a birth control pill with drospirenone improve severe PMS or PMDD?
Yes. Symptom scores dropped dramatically from an average of 24.6 to 7.2 after 3 to 4 months of treatment, with significant improvement in women whether or not they had used contraception before.
What they did
Retrospective observation of 51 women aged 15 to 44 years (average 25.7) identified as having severe PMS or PMDD. Some (28) were not on contraception at baseline, while others (23) switched from different pills. All took a pill with 20 micrograms of ethinylestradiol and 3 milligrams of drospirenone in a 24/4 regimen for 3 to 4 months.
What they found
Average symptom score across all 51 women decreased from 24.6 to 7.2. In women without prior contraception, scores dropped from 24.9 to 8.2. In women switching pills, scores fell from 24.3 to 6.0. Both groups showed significant decreases.
What it means for you
This birth control pill appears to significantly reduce severe PMS or PMDD symptoms. However, without a control group for comparison and with no randomization, we cannot be completely certain the pill caused the improvement.
51
Women studied
24.6 to 7.2
Average symptom score
3-4 months
Treatment duration
About the study
- Original title
- [The efficiency of oral contraception containing drospirenone in treating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or premenstrual dysphoric disorder in gyneacology practice]
- Authors
- Svojanovská K
- Journal
- Ceska gynekologie
- Year
- 2010
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- Participants
- 51
- What was tested
- Oral contraceptive with 20 micrograms ethinylestradiol and 3 milligrams drospirenone (24/4 regimen) for 3-4 months
- Read the paper
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21374928/
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