PMDD breakthrough

Yaz (drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol) is the first oral contraceptive pill indicated to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), in addition to moderate acne.

According to sexual health expert Dr Christine Read, spokesperson for Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia, 80 per cent of Australian women live with premenstrual symptoms and as many as nine per cent experience PMDD, with premenstrual symptoms so severe that their daily lives are significantly impacted.

“I believe Australian health care professionals now have the opportunity to help Australian women deal with the severe physical and emotional symptoms of the menstrual cycle,” said Dr Read.

“New research shows that the majority of women do not visit their GP for relief of premenstrual symptoms that impact their day to day lives,” said Dr Read.

Yaz follows a 24/4 dose regimen, where active tablets are taken for 24 days followed by a four-day hormone-free interval meaning that there is a shorter hormone-free interval and less hormonal fluctuation throughout the cycle, says the drug’s manufacturer, Bayer Schering.

Clincal trials have shown that the formulation, which provides three additional days of low-dose hormones, including the antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic properties of the progestogen drospirenone, reduces acne, fluid retention (bloating) and PMDD.

“Until now, oral contraceptives have consisted of 21 days of active tablets followed by seven days of inactive ‘sugar pills’. Given that Yaz has three additional days of low-dose hormone in a 24/4 regimen, this also may mean a lesser chance of contraceptive failure when pills are missed. It is, however, critical that women understand how to take this new style of contraceptive pill dosing correctly,” Dr Read said.

Dr Read said there is a real need to improve management of premenstrual symptoms and increase patient education at a primary care level so women do not misjudge the severity of their symptoms.

“Health care professionals need to take a proactive role in initiating the conversation about premenstrual symptoms and encourage women to track their cycle and symptoms systematically to facilitate further discussion,” she said.

Premenstrual symptoms include tender breasts, fluid retention, headaches, swelling of the hands and feet, feeling depressed, anxious, confused or irritable and a decreased interest in daily activities.

Symptoms of PMS and PMDD are similar, however PMDD is considered a severe type of PMS, the symptoms of which will significantly impact on a woman’s day to day life.

Yaz is available from 1 September.