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

Most common
Headache/migraine (up to 6.7%)
Menstrual irregularities (up to 4.7%)
Nausea/vomiting (up to 4.2%)
Breast pain/tenderness (up to 4.0%)

Microgestin

Most common
Headache (up to 6.3%)
Vaginal candidiasis (up to 6.1%)
Nausea (up to 4.6%)
Menstrual cramps (up to 4.4%)

Yaz vs. Microgestin Dosage

Yaz

Dosage
Dosage Table
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

Dosage
Dosage Table
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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