Yaz is a type of combination of birth control that contains the hormones drospirenone (synthetic progesterone) and ethinyl estradiol (synthetic estrogen). Besides preventing pregnancy, Yaz also treats the symptoms of PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Pregnancy Prevention
The hormones in Yaz prevent eggs from being released from ovaries (ovulation), and also change the cervical and uterine linings, according to Drugs.com.
PMDD Treatment
Drugs.com adds that Yaz reduce PMDD symptoms, which include anxiety, depression, weight gain, irritability, headaches, lack of energy, joint or muscle pain, concentration problems, breast tenderness, and sleep or appetite changes.
Side Effects
Like other birth control pills, Yaz has side effects. EMedTV's Kristi Monson, PharmD and Arthur Schoenstadt, MD list bleeding between periods, vaginal yeast infections or discharge, hyperkalemia (high blood potassium), blood clots in the legs or lungs, heart attack and liver damage as side effects of Yaz.
Generic Version
EMedTV states no generic version of Yaz is available as of December 2009; however the manufacturers agreed to have a generic version on the market by July 2011.
Warning
Drugs.com warns that women who have or had a stroke, blood clots, breast or uterine cancer, circulation problems, kidney or liver disease, adrenal gland disorder or high blood pressure should not take Yaz.
