[Extracontraceptive benefits of EE/DRSP (Yaz) in 24+4 day regimen].
Extracontraceptive benefits are common to all oral contraceptives; however, some benefits are more pronounced with particular associations. To improve acne, hirsutism and premenstrual symptoms, for example, oral contraceptives containing drospirenone are more effective. This interesting progestin has marked antiandrogenic and antimineralcorticoid activity. EE/DRSP 24+4 (24 tablets containing hormones plus 4 containing placebo) features an innovative dosing regimen. Shortening of the hormone-free period augments the inhibition of ovulation and reduces fluctuations in hormones, with beneficial effects on withdrawal symptoms, including headache, breast tenderness, mood swings and pelvic pain. Use of EE/DRSP 24+4 for 3 days longer than conventional oral contraceptives also has extracontraceptive benefits, as demonstrated in clinical trials which have evaluated improvement in premenstrual symptoms, acne and hirsutism.
Bruni Bresciani
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SOD di Ginecologia dell'Infanzia e dell'Adolescenza, Dipartimento di Scienze per la Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Università di Firenze, Florence, Italy.
D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000736:Androstenes / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006628:Hirsutism / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D011293:Premenstrual Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000736:Androstenes; D012102:Reproductive Control Agents; C534342:drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol combination; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol