BEYAZ (DROSPIRENONE/ETHINYL ESTRADIOL/LEVOMEFOLATE)

What to Expect From Beyaz

Beyaz is a combination oral contraceptive that consists of progestin and estrogen, which are hormones and also a B vitamin that is a man-made form of folate that can reduce the risk of a baby being born with neural tube defects. The defects can occur during the first month of your pregnancy before you are even aware you are expecting.

Taking Beyaz can also help to treat moderate acne and can reduce emotional and physical symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), including mood changes, bloating, and cramps before your period starts. PMDD is an extreme version of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and can affect your well-being for a brief, but intense, few days.

How These Hormones Will Help Prevent a Pregnancy

Beyaz tricks your pituitary gland into reducing its production of two essential hormones required for ovulation. This suppresses ovulation but does not eliminate it completely which is why there is still a small chance of becoming pregnant while taking any oral birth control, regardless of ‘perfect use’.

Beyaz also thickens your cervical mucus to make it difficult for sperm to make it to your cervix, and causes your uterine lining (endometrium) to become thinner with a decreased blood supply so it is not an inviting place for a fertilized egg to attach. The B vitamin increases folate and helps safeguard against birth defects during the early weeks of development if you are unaware that you are pregnant.

Conditions Treated by Beyaz

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is still a bit of a mystery as to why it occurs and which women are more likely to experience PMDD. Research seems to show hormonal changes could be to blame when dealing with the menstrual cycle. There also seems to be similarities with other mood disorders and some of the symptoms of PMDD, including rage, anxiety, and depression.

Besides taking Beyaz, you can reduce the amount of caffeine, alcohol, and chocolate in your diet, exercise regularly, and ask your doctor about psychotherapy so you can learn how to cope with your symptoms through relaxation and stress reduction techniques.

Before Beyaz is Prescribed

You may need a back-up form of birth control during the first week of taking Beyaz if you have never taken an oral contraceptive before or if you take it the first Sunday after the start of your period. Your doctor may recommend a pregnancy test before starting Beyaz. Ask your doctor about the safety of taking Beyaz while you are breast feeding. To determine if Beyaz is right for you, tell your doctor about other medical conditions or allergies you have and list any current OTC and Rx drugs you take, including herbal remedies and dietary or vitamin supplements.

Beyaz Precautions

You should not take Beyaz if you are over 35 years of age and you smoke as this can increase your risk of a stroke, heart attack, or blood clots. The older you are and the more cigarettes you smoke, the higher your risk. Taking Beyaz will not protect you or your partner from contracting or passing on sexually transmitted diseases. Oral contraceptives are less likely to fail if you take them at the same time every day so there is a constant and even level of the hormones in your body.

Possible Side Effects of Beyaz

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Weight change