Hormonal Composition and Clinical Implications of Yaz

Composition and Properties

Yaz contains drospirenone (3 mg), a fourth-generation synthetic progestin, combined with ethinyl estradiol (0.02 mg) in a 24/4 day regimen 1, 2
Drospirenone possesses both antimineralocorticoid and antiandrogenic properties similar to natural progesterone 2

Due to its antimineralocorticoid properties, drospirenone may actually decrease blood pressure, unlike other synthetic progestins that may contribute to blood pressure elevation 2, 3
Studies have shown that drospirenone can lead to decreases in systolic blood pressure of 1-4 mmHg when combined with ethinyl estradiol 4
When administered as a progestin-only pill, drospirenone 4 mg is associated with decreases in systolic blood pressure of 8 mmHg in individuals with elevated baseline blood pressure 4

Yaz carries contraindications similar to other combined hormonal contraceptives, including history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, uncontrolled hypertension, smoking in women over 35 years of age, and history of breast cancer or other estrogen/progestin-sensitive cancers 3, 5