Yaz Birth Control Side Effects

by Steve Fields on July 24th, 2009

Yaz birth control is a combination hormone contraceptive. It is manufactured by Bayer Healthcare who also markets Yasmin. The birth control pill contains a combination of the hormones estrogen and progestin. The progestin prevents the ovary from releasing an egg by making the body think it is pregnant. In addition, the uterine lining becomes thinner and the cervical mucus becomes thicker. Yaz and Yasmin are considered a fourth-generation contraceptive.

Oral contraceptives are usually made up of a mix of synthetic female hormones. First-generation birth control pills, first introduced in the 1960′s, had high levels of the hormones estrogen and the progestogens lynestrenol or norethisterone. The early contraceptive pills caused a fairly high number of blood clots resulting in blockages in the legs, heart, and brain. These blockages can then lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Second generation birth control pills were formulated to decrease the risk of blood clots. They contained lower amounts of estrogen and a different progestogen called levonorgestrel. The downside to these second generation contraceptive pills was that they caused side effects such as acne, hirsutism (increased hair growth), weight gain, and higher cholesterol levels. Second and third generation oral contraceptives differ in their progestin component.

Third generation birth control pills were developed in the 1980′s to contain the progestogen hormones desogestrel or gestodene. The goal was to help reduce adverse effects such as hirsutism and acne. It is estimated that 7.5 million women filled prescriptions for third generation oral contraceptives in the United States in 2006. Studies have found that women using third-generation oral contraceptives have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (blood clot) compared to users of second-generation contraceptives containing levonorgestrel.

Yaz and Yasmin, along with the generic Ocella, contain the progestin drospirenone and the estrogen ethinyl estradiol. Yaz is the only contraceptive pill that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). In addition, Yaz has been proven to help with moderate acne by blocking the androgens (male sex hormones) that cause acne.

Yaz birth control works on a 24/4 day dosing schedule which means that you take the regular (active) pills for 24 days and inactive pills for four days. Yasmin works on a 21/7 schedule which means you take the regular pills for 21 days and inactive pills for four days.

Some researchers have questioned whether third and fourth generation contraceptives are more safe and effective than second-generation contraceptives given the increased risk of developing blood clots. The focus has been on the synthetic forms of the hormone progestin and how they affect the coagulation of blood in the body.

We represent all women suffering from Yaz side effects on a contingency basis which means that there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. For a free no-obligation consultation please call toll free at 1-888-210-9968 or fill out our short online contact form and a Yaz lawyer will contact you to answer any of your questions.