Premenstrual Complaints: II. Influence of Oral Contraceptives

Abstract

The prevalence of individual premenstrual symptoms was studied in a randomly selected group of 217 women taking oral contraceptives (OC). The results were compared with corresponding data from 595 women not using the pill. the analyses included six different mental and somatic symptoms defined and graded in severity and related to age. It was found that OC had a beneficial effect on the premenstrual tension symptoms (PMT) in all age groups except in the youngest group (18 years), in which the tendency was rather the opposite. Within the total sample of women, users of OC were significantly less frequently absent from work. The present results are in agreement with those of most earlier studies, provided that age is taken into account.

A Prospective Assessment Investigating the Relationship Between Work Productivity and Impairment With Premenstrual Syndrome

“…5,9 Within a 6-month period, 4% to 10% of women reported having been absent from work because of PMS at least once, and 2% to 3% reported having been absent from work twice or more. [12][13][14] The demonstrated impact of severe PMS symptoms on workplace attendance could have significant personal and economic ramifications among affected women. The economic effects of PMS include not only increases in absenteeism but also reductions in occupational performance, specifically in productivity.…”

Advantages and challenges of oestrogen-free hormonal contraception

“…Observational data are equivocal regarding the treatment of PMS with COCs. In two retrospective studies, oral contraceptive users reported milder symptoms 41,42 . However, more recent prospective studies could not demonstrate impressive differences between COCs compared with placebo 43,44 .…”

The Influence of Cyclic Hormonal Contraception on Expression of Premenstrual Syndrome

“…A small literature, conducted in mildly symptomatic women, compares the timing and severity of premenstrual symptom expression in women who are or are not using CHC. [14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Studies varied on whether CHC use influences the timing of peak symptom expression. 19,21,22 A relatively consistent finding is the association between attenuated symptom severity in women who take monophasic hormonal contraceptive pills compared with women who do not use hormonal contraception, although even here studies are not uniform.…”

“…19,21,22 A relatively consistent finding is the association between attenuated symptom severity in women who take monophasic hormonal contraceptive pills compared with women who do not use hormonal contraception, although even here studies are not uniform. [14][15][16]18,22 Both a change in symptom pattern and severity can influence whether a woman meets criteria for PMS or PMDD. Given the possible influence of exogenous hormones on symptom expression, we sought to compare the relative severity and timing of premenstrual symptom expression in women who do or do not use CHC and endorse moderate to severe symptoms.…”