Those who suffer with severe PMS, (premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)) or just plain old mild PMS know how much of a pain in the butt it can be. Some of you may find yourself in severe pain and exhaustion locked in your room for days, while others will be more courageous and step into civilization... turning the friendly greeting from your neighbor into a scene from the Texas Chainsaw Massacre. There is a pill that claims to help.

What is PMDD?

PMDD is a severe form of PMS. Only 5% of women suffer from PMDD, and although it is not very common, some of us have "in-between" cases of PMS and PMDD that continue to affect the way we live.

Symptoms of PMDD include:



- Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness

- Anxiety or tension

- Unstable mood and frequent crying

- Persistent irritability causing conflict in relationships

- Loss of interest in usual activities or relationships

- Lack of concentration

- Lack of energy

- Changes in appetite, possibly including cravings or binge eating

- Sleeping too much or too little

- Feeling out of control

- Physical symptoms including breast tenderness, breast swelling, headache, joint/muscle aches, bloating, and weight gain.

However severe your PMS symptoms are, there is a safe and convenient way to treat it.

So what exactly is this miracle medicine that is capable of taming the premenstrual beast in you? It's Yaz. Yaz oral contraceptives are the only birth control pills that will treat cases of PMDD. This has been proven by the FDA, when a study showed that women taking Yaz reduced their PMS symptoms by at least 50%. Wow. That would also mean, if you took Yaz, you would have less arguments with mothers, sisters, significant others - and anyone else that gets in your way!

Yaz birth control pills contain levels of the female hormones estrogen and progestin. Together, these hormones exist in harmony and balance the natural processes of the female body. Dr. Andrea Rapkin, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine, states: "Like other birth control pills, Yaz contains the female hormones estrogen and progestin. Unlike other versions of the pill, Yaz uses a form of progestin that has unique properties. These hormones, when working together stimulate the bloodstream, the heart, and the brain. This means, that stressed-out organs can finally relax when a balanced dose of the hormones are present.
"For my PMDD patients who need a treatment to reduce their symptoms -- as well as a safe and effective contraception to prevent pregnancy -- YAZ is an important option that can meet both of their health care needs in a single pill" - Dr. Andrea Rapkin