Yaz vs. Microgestin
See how Yaz and Microgestin compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Yaz and Microgestin are both combination oral contraceptives taken daily, but only Yaz is FDA-approved to also treat PMDD and moderate acne.
Yaz contains drospirenone, which requires avoiding use in women with kidney, liver, or adrenal disease, while Microgestin carries no such restriction.
Microgestin has been on the market since 1968 and typically costs less per month than Yaz, which received FDA approval in 2001.
Yaz vs. Microgestin Drug Summary
Yaz
Yaz is a combination oral contraceptive containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol, taken once a day to prevent pregnancy. It is also FDA-approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and moderate acne in women who want birth control at the same time. Each pack has 24 active tablets followed by 4 inert tablets.
Microgestin
Microgestin is a combination oral contraceptive containing norethindrone acetate and ethinyl estradiol, taken once a day to prevent pregnancy. It has been available since 1968 and comes in multiple dose strengths and pack lengths, some including iron tablets during the placebo week. It is FDA-approved only for pregnancy prevention.
Yaz vs. Microgestin Side Effects
Yaz
Microgestin
Yaz vs. Microgestin Dosage
Yaz
Microgestin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.02 mg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | inert tablet once daily | Days 25-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 24 days |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/20 mcg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 21 days |
Yaz
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 3 mg/0.02 mg once daily | Days 1-24 |
| Maximum dose | inert tablet once daily | Days 25-28 |
| Dose changes | 1 increase | Every 24 days |
Microgestin
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 1 mg/20 mcg once daily | Days 1-21 |
| Maximum dose | 75 mg ferrous fumarate | Days 22-28 |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every 21 days |
Yaz vs. Microgestin Indications
Yaz
Yaz prevents pregnancy and is also FDA-approved for two additional uses: treating PMDD and treating moderate acne in women who also want contraception. This makes it a common pick for women dealing with hormonal mood symptoms or breakouts who also need birth control.
Prevent pregnancy
Treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Treat moderate acne in women 14 and older who want contraception
Microgestin
Microgestin's only FDA-approved use is preventing pregnancy. It does not carry approval for mood or skin conditions, so it is chosen mainly for straightforward contraception rather than added hormonal symptom management.
Prevent pregnancy
Available in 21-day and 28-day (Fe) pack formats
Available in two dose strengths (1/20 and 1.5/30)
Yaz vs. Microgestin Pros and Cons
Yaz
Yaz's drospirenone component gives it added FDA approvals for PMDD and acne beyond standard contraception, but that same ingredient brings extra monitoring needs. It carries a boxed warning about smoking-related cardiovascular risk and cannot be used by women with kidney, liver, or adrenal disease. Yaz also tends to cost more out of pocket than older-generation pills.
Pros
FDA-approved to treat PMDD, not just prevent pregnancy
FDA-approved to treat moderate acne in women 14 and older
Drospirenone's anti-androgenic effect may reduce bloating and improve skin
Cons
Contraindicated in women with kidney, liver, or adrenal disease due to hyperkalemia risk
Carries an FDA boxed warning specific to smoking and cardiovascular risk
Higher list price than Microgestin, roughly $112 to $226 per month without insurance
Microgestin
Microgestin's norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol formula has decades of real-world use dating back to 1968 and comes in several strengths and pack lengths. It offers reliable pregnancy prevention at a lower average cost but has no added approval for PMDD or acne. It also lacks the antiandrogenic benefit some women get from drospirenone.
Pros
Available at a much lower list price, roughly $20 to $50 per month without insurance
Long real-world safety record dating back to FDA approval in 1968
Comes in multiple dose strengths and pack lengths for flexible dosing
Cons
Not approved to treat PMDD or acne, only pregnancy prevention
Higher reported rate of vaginal yeast infection than Yaz
Lacks the anti-androgenic effect some women rely on for skin benefits
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