From the Guidelines
Yaz birth control contains 3 mg of drospirenone (a synthetic progestin) and 0.02 mg (20 mcg) of ethinyl estradiol (a synthetic estrogen) per active tablet. This combination makes Yaz a low-dose hormonal contraceptive pill. The standard pack includes 24 active hormone-containing tablets followed by 4 inactive tablets, creating a 28-day cycle.
Key Components of Yaz
- 3 mg of drospirenone
- 0.02 mg (20 mcg) of ethinyl estradiol The hormones work together to prevent pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm entry, and thinning the uterine lining to prevent implantation. Drospirenone is unique among progestins because it has anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid properties, which may help reduce acne and bloating in some users 1.
FDA Approvals
Yaz is also FDA-approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne in women who desire contraception. As with any hormonal contraceptive, users should take one pill daily at approximately the same time for maximum effectiveness. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology in 2019, the risk of venous thromboembolism associated with drospirenone-containing COCs is higher than other COCs, but the attributable risk is still low 1.
Side Effects and Monitoring
Common side effects of Yaz include breakthrough bleeding, nausea, and breast tenderness, which often resolve over the first 2-3 cycles of use 1. More serious adverse effects, such as thromboembolic events, are rare but can occur.
Benefits
However, the benefits of Yaz, including its effectiveness in preventing pregnancy and treating PMDD and moderate acne, outweigh the risks for most women. Overall, Yaz is a safe and effective contraceptive option for women who desire a low-dose hormonal contraceptive pill.
From the FDA Drug Label
The estrogen in drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets is ethinyl estradiol. Contraception Two studies evaluated the effect of 3 mg DRSP / 0. 02 mg EE combinations on the suppression of ovarian activity as assessed by measurement of follicle size via transvaginal ultrasound and serum hormone (progesterone and estradiol) analyses during two treatment cycles
The Yaz birth control contains 3 mg of drospirenone (DRSP) and 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol (EE).
- The amount of estrogen in Yaz is 0.02 mg of ethinyl estradiol.
- The amount of progesterone is not directly stated, but it is mentioned that the combination of DRSP and EE affects progesterone levels, however the exact amount of progesterone is not provided 2.
From the Research
Estrogen and Progesterone Content in Yaz Birth Control
- The Yaz birth control contains 3mg of drospirenone (a progestin) and 20microg of ethinylestradiol (a form of estrogen) 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Drospirenone is a synthetic progestogen with antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic properties, unlike other progestogens used in combined oral contraceptives (COCs) 3.
- Ethinylestradiol is a form of estrogen commonly used in COCs, and in the case of Yaz, it is administered in a low dose of 20microg 3, 4, 5, 6.
Comparison with Other Studies
- Other studies have compared the efficacy and safety of Yaz with other COCs, such as desogestrel 150μg/ethinylestradiol 20μg in a 21/7 regimen, and found similar bleeding patterns and cycle control 5.
- A study comparing drospirenone-only pills with combined oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and gestodene found that drospirenone-only pills were non-inferior in ovulation inhibition, but had a higher incidence of unscheduled vaginal bleeding 7.
Clinical Applications
- Yaz has been approved for the prevention of pregnancy, treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and treatment of moderate acne vulgaris in women who wish to use an oral contraceptive for contraception 3, 4.
- It has also been used in the management of endometriosis, with preliminary experience showing significant reductions in dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia scores and in endometrioma mean diameter 6.