New continuous OC relieves menstrual symptoms

A new continuous OC that eliminates menstruation throughout the entire year has been shown to improve dysmenorrhea in a 1-year clinical trial presented at this year's ASRM meeting in Montreal. The phase 3 study evaluated the effects of 20 μg of ethinyl estradiol and 90 μg of levonorgestrel in healthy women between the ages of 18 and 49 with a history of cycle-related symptoms, PMS, or dysmenorrhea. The OC significantly improved symptoms and boosted work productivity.

The researchers, who were supported by a grant from Wyeth, also concluded that the OC was more effective than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treating PMS.

A related study, in which investigators did endometrial biopsies on the same group of women at baseline and 13 months into the trial, found that "histologic changes ....were consistent with a decrease in endometrial growth and decidualization."

Johnson JV, Grubb GS. Endometrial histology in subjects on a continuous use regimen of levo-norgestrel/ethinyl estradiol: results of a Phase 3 study. Fertil Steril. 2005;84(suppl 1):S170.