On the pill, off the rag

The FDA has just approved the use of Lybrel (Wyeth) as a birth control pill. The pill, not yet approved for use in Canada, is a combination of levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol - two hormones already in use as contraceptives. In contrast to traditional oral contraceptives which typically have an 21 day on, 7 day off (or placebo) cycle, Lybrel is taken daily and inhibits both ovulation and uterine changes required for menstruation. Of course, as with any drug, there are always fun potential side effects which include:

• unscheduled bleeding (while menstruation stops, 18% of women dropped out of the study due to unscheduled bleeding and spotting)
• fluid retention
• spotty darkening of the skin (not so great for those on the pill to control acne)
• other various side effects such as nausea, depression and headache.

Does an end to menstruation spell an end to PMS? How long until this pill is marketed that way? Now if we can just get them to start working on my hangover pill.