The effects of an oestrogen-free, desogestrel-containing oral contraceptive in women with cyclical symptoms: Results from two studies on oestrogen-related symptoms and dysmenorrhoea

Objectives To evaluate the effects of an oestrogen-free oral contraceptive (Cerazette®; 75 mcg/day desogestrel) in women with oestrogen-related symptoms during previous combined oral contraceptive (COC) use (ERS study) and in women with dysmenorrhoea (DYS study).Methods Two similarly designed prospective, non-comparative multicentre observational studies were carried out in Germany. Altogether, 403 women with oestrogen-related symptoms during previous COC use and 406 women with dysmenorrhoea took Cerazette® continuously. Symptom-related assessments were made at baseline and after 3–4 months, along with bleeding pattern and treatment satisfaction.Results In the ERS study, the four oestrogen-related symptoms studied resolved or improved in over 70% of women. Nausea improved/resolved most (92% of women), followed by breast tenderness (90%), oestrogen-related headache (84%) and oedema (74%). In the DYS study, dysmenorrhoea resolved or considerably improved in 93% of the study population. Correspondingly, use ...