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WASHINGTON, Oct 6, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Yaz has become the first birth control to get federal approval for treating a severe form of premenstrual syndrome.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration based its approval on clinical trials that showed Yaz reduced premenstrual dysphonic disorder -- the most severe type of PMS -- by at least half, WebMD.com reported Friday. The trials showed that women taking Yaz reported twice the improvement in their symptoms as women who took placebo.
In addition, Yaz improved physical and emotional symptoms associated with PMDD, including relationships, productivity and the enjoyment of activities, WebMD.com said.
Besides using the female hormone estrogen, Yaz uses a form of progestin that has unique properties, which, when coupled with its 24-day dose regimen, may account for the positive effect it has on PMDD, WebMD.com said.
Most women experience some PMS symptoms. PMDD occurs when these symptoms are at their most severe, affecting about 5 percent of women.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
