Effects of ethinyl estradiol plus desogestrel on premenstrual symptoms in Iranian women.

Marvelon®, a combined oral contraceptive, contains 30 μg ethinyl estradiol (EE) and 150 μg desogestrel (DE), and has been shown to be a well-tolerated and effective combination that provides high contraceptive reliability and good cycle control. However, its efficacy has not been yet evaluated among Iranian women. Thus, the study aimed to determine the effect of oral contraceptive pill on treating premenstrual symptoms and on various parameters associated with well-being and health in a sample of Iranian. This clinical trial (before- after) study was performed at the family-planning clinic of the centers under the supervision of Tehran University of Medical Sciences on sixty-one women. The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences and all participants received a 21/7-day regimen of oral contraceptive containing 150 μg desogestrel (DE) and 30 μg ethinyl estradiol (EE) for six cycles. Efficacy parameters included changes in premenstrual symptoms were also assessed. Clinical data was collected by calendar of premenstrual experiences (COPE) at baseline and treatment cycles 1,2, 3 and 6. Clinical variables were measured including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride levels for two timing periods (baseline and last visit). Linear mixed model analyses were used to analyze differences in changes of the four factors of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), weight and blood pressure during these timing periods. The mean age of the women was 28.52 (SD=6.75) years. Participants on average had been pregnant 1.13 (SD=1.16) times. The linear mixed model analyses indicated that premenstrual syndrome symptoms reduced significantly over time (P<0.05). Marvelon® showed no significant effect on reducing LDL and HDL levels, and participant's weights were also stable during five-time assessments (P>0.05). A combined oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol and desogestrel has a positive effect on women's health and reduces premenstrual symptoms.