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Estradiol+Drospirenone

Brigham and Women's Hospital · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Estradiol+Drospirenone is a Combined oral contraceptive Small molecule drug developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital. It is currently FDA-approved for Contraception, Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Also known as: Angeliq.

Estradiol and drospirenone work together as a hormonal contraceptive by suppressing ovulation through negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

Estradiol and Drospirenone are components of an oral contraceptive pill, which is used for contraception and the prevention of pregnancy. The combination of Estradiol and Drospirenone is also studied for its effects on various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases and adverse effects of oral contraceptives.

At a glance

Generic nameEstradiol+Drospirenone
Also known asAngeliq
SponsorBrigham and Women's Hospital
Drug classCombined oral contraceptive
TargetEstrogen receptors (ER-α, ER-β) and progesterone receptors (PR); mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaContraception / Gynecology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Estradiol (a natural estrogen) and drospirenone (a progestin with antimineralocorticoid activity) inhibit the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which prevents the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) needed for ovulation. Drospirenone additionally provides progestational effects and mild antimineralocorticoid activity, enhancing contraceptive efficacy and providing additional benefits such as reduced bloating.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about Estradiol+Drospirenone

What is Estradiol+Drospirenone?

Estradiol+Drospirenone is a Combined oral contraceptive drug developed by Brigham and Women's Hospital, indicated for Contraception, Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

How does Estradiol+Drospirenone work?

Estradiol and drospirenone work together as a hormonal contraceptive by suppressing ovulation through negative feedback on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

What is Estradiol+Drospirenone used for?

Estradiol+Drospirenone is indicated for Contraception, Treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Who makes Estradiol+Drospirenone?

Estradiol+Drospirenone is developed and marketed by Brigham and Women's Hospital (see full Brigham and Women's Hospital pipeline at /company/brigham-and-women-s-hospital).

Is Estradiol+Drospirenone also known as anything else?

Estradiol+Drospirenone is also known as Angeliq.

What drug class is Estradiol+Drospirenone in?

Estradiol+Drospirenone belongs to the Combined oral contraceptive class. See all Combined oral contraceptive drugs at /class/combined-oral-contraceptive.

What development phase is Estradiol+Drospirenone in?

Estradiol+Drospirenone is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Estradiol+Drospirenone?

Common side effects of Estradiol+Drospirenone include Nausea, Headache, Breast tenderness, Breakthrough bleeding, Mood changes, Venous thromboembolism.

What does Estradiol+Drospirenone target?

Estradiol+Drospirenone targets Estrogen receptors (ER-α, ER-β) and progesterone receptors (PR); mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism and is a Combined oral contraceptive.

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing