Effect of an oral contraceptive containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol plus 3 mg drospirenone on body composition of young women affected by premenstrual syndrome with symptoms of water retention

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate body weight and composition during oral contraception with 30 microg ethinylestradiol plus 3 mg drospirenone (30EE+DRSP) in women affected by premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with somatic symptoms related to water retention. DESIGN: This prospective study was performed using multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis in 18 normally cycling PMS patients (mean age, 28.8 years) evaluated at baseline, during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and after 3 and 6 cycles of 30EE+DRSP. Total body water (TBW), intracellular water (ICW), extracellular water (ECW), fat mass and fat-free mass were evaluated. Body weight, waist-to-hip ratio and blood pressure were also determined at each visit. Basal values were compared with those measured in 31 healthy females without PMS (controls). RESULTS: PMS patients have higher levels of TBW and ICW than controls. After 6 months of 30EE+DRSP, TBW and ECW were significantly lower than before treatment. No significant variations in ICW or in the other parameters were observed. CONCLUSION: In women with PMS, 30EE+DRSP reduces the concentrations in TBW and ECW. This effect is likely due to the antimineralocorticoid activity of DRSP. Whether these changes may account for the improvement of premenstrual fluid-related symptoms reported with this formulation is discussed.