Contraception - Women with premenstural dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Approximately 3–5% of women meet the diagnostic criteria forPMDD. Recent studies of oral contraceptives containing ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone, a progestin with antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic activity derived from spironolactone, have demonstrated reduced premenstrual physical and mood symptoms. Yaz® (a COC which contains 3 mg of drospirenone and 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol) is the only oral contraceptive also FDA approved to treat PMDD. Yaz® is taken for 24 days followed by four days of placebo. This OC may not be appropriate for women with kidney, liver or adrenal disease because it may increase potassium levels. Patients taking drugs that could increase potassium should consult their health care professional before taking Yas® or Yasmin (a COC with 21 days of 3.0 mg of drospirenone and 0.030 mg of ethinyl estradiol ? 7 inert pills), both of which contain drospirenone.35

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