Birth control pills may be a good option if you have PMDD symptoms and need contraception. They also carry some benefits over other treatments for PMDD.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). If you have PMDD, you’ll likely have emotional and physical symptoms a week or two before your period starts. This is a chronic condition that’s severe enough to disrupt daily life.

Several treatments available for PMDD, including medication and lifestyle changes to manage your symptoms.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, one option a doctor may discuss is hormonal birth control pills, also called oral contraceptives. Birth control pills affect your hormone levels and can provide relief from some PMDD symptoms.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved only one type of birth control pill to treat PMDD, but your doctor may discuss other types of birth control pills with you.

Let’s take a closer look at how hormonal birth control works in treating PMDD.

Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) contain various amounts of certain hormones. They have some benefits over other treatments used to treat PMDD, like antidepressant drugs.

Research shows that oral contraceptives that have combinations of ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone help improve some mood and physical symptoms of PMDD. They also prevent unintended pregnancy. Many people prefer birth control pills for these dual benefits.

Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone combination pills come in several different brands, but currently, the only FDA-approved option for treating PMDD is Yaz. A healthcare professional may prescribe another type of birth control pill off-label. This means a doctor prescribes the medication for a use other than the one the FDA has approved.

If you’re already taking the pill and it’s not helping with your PMDD symptoms, consider talking with a doctor about other options.

Birth control pills do carry some side effects. Most go away after a few days to a few weeks. If you have a serious reaction to a birth control medication, you should call your doctor or seek medical attention.

Some common side effects of birth control pills include:

Serious side effects include:

If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, you should call 911 or go to your nearest medical center right away.

When to avoid

Birth control pills may not be right for everyone. You should avoid birth control pills if you have a history of:

Optum Now is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

There are many treatments for managing PMDD symptoms. They include prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) products like pain relievers and natural supplements, as well as lifestyle options.

Here are some more details on the available options for coping with PMDD:

  • Medications: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are FDA-approved to treat PMDD and have shown proven effectiveness. Experts think they help with PMDD symptoms by increasing serotonin levels.
  • Diet: Managing stress through eating a balanced, nutritious diet while avoiding excess salt, caffeine, and sugar may help manage PMDD symptoms.
  • Counseling: A 2019 trial indicates that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also improve your sleep, anxiety, depression, and other PMDD symptoms.
  • Other medical and nonmedical treatments. OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with cramps, pain, and headaches.

It is important to talk with a healthcare professional before taking any herbs or supplements. They can help you choose the safest option.

To decide which treatment best suits your needs, it’s important to carefully review your symptoms, health history, and how PMDD is impacting your life and share this with a doctor.

You may benefit from one or more therapies (exercise, diet, and medication) together.

Here are a few suggestions and questions for you to consider:

  • Keep a diary to track your symptoms and take note of when symptoms start and the level of intensity.
  • Review past treatments you’ve tried that were effective or ineffective and share this information with a doctor.
  • Do you have a history of health conditions, or are you taking medications that can interfere with birth control pills?
  • Do you have other physical or emotional symptoms that fall outside of PMDD?
  • Do you prefer to try nonmedication options or lifestyle options over prescription drugs?

Keep in mind that medications and other treatments may take time to work. And with lifestyle changes like diet, therapy, and exercise, it’s important to be as consistent as possible to see improvement in your symptoms.

Birth control pills may be a good option if you have PMDD symptoms and need contraception. They also carry some benefits over other treatments for PMDD.

Your symptoms may change over time and go away after menopause. Many organizations, like the International Association for Premenstrual Disorders, provide information, provider listings, support groups, and other helpful tips.