Depo-Provera, Other Hormonal Contraceptives Linked to Brain Tumors

• A new study revealed a link between certain progestogen contraceptives, including Depo-Provera, and a higher risk of meningioma brain tumors.
• Meningiomas are brain tumors that are typically benign (noncancerous). 
• The overall risk is low, but it may be higher with prolonged use of specific products like Depo-Provera, which includes safety warnings from the FDA.
• The increased risk was found to be temporary and shouldn’t deter most people from using birth control.

Many people rely on hormonal birth control primarily to prevent pregnancy. Hormonal contraceptives range from oral medications to intrauterine devices (IUDs) to injections and implants. 

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that 54.3% of females in the United States ages 15 to 49 used some form of contraception between 2022 and 2023. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that in 2021, 874 million females worldwide used modern contraceptive methods. 

While birth control is largely regarded as safe, it may also come with certain health risks.

A new study published on July 2 in JAMA Network Open found that certain common types of progesterone birth control may raise the risk of developing a meningioma. 

Meningiomas are the most common type of brain tumor affecting the central nervous system, accounting for 37.6% of cases. Around 90% of meningiomas are benign (noncancerous). 

Meningiomas occur more often in females than in males, which may be due to the role that hormones play in their development. Hormonal contraceptives that include progesterone and progestin may contribute to the higher levels of these tumors in females.

Which birth control has the highest brain tumor risk? 

The study included 1,473 females with a meningioma and 14,717 as a control group who didn’t have the tumor. The participants all held residence in Denmark and had an average age of 48. 

For each participant with a meningioma, the researchers selected 10 female controls who were similar in age, birthplace, and marital status, and who didn’t have the tumor. This allowed the researchers to focus on the factor they were studying, rather than being influenced by unrelated differences between the groups. 

The study found that individuals who were using injectable medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) were found to have the highest risk for a meningioma. This group was 4.6 times more likely to develop a tumor. 

IUDs with high levels of levonorgestrel were shown to increase the risk of developing a tumor by 1.58. For IUDs with a lower levonorgestrel dose, this risk was slightly lower. 

Those using progesterone-only oral birth control were 1.7 times more likely to develop a meningioma. However, combination pills containing both estrogen and progesterone showed a slightly lower risk, with participants having 1.61 times the risk of developing a meningioma.

The study authors noted that their findings suggest “an increased risk of meningioma for several progestogens not previously associated with meningioma.” 

The increased risk was highest in those who were currently using birth control and those who had used it within the past year. However, within 5 years after discontinuation of use, the increased risk was no longer present with most types of birth control. 

“These findings are considered relevant information for the treated women and the prescribing physicians,” the study authors stated. 

Safety warnings for hormonal contraceptives

In 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new label warnings for Depo-Provera. The warnings include the mention of meningioma and recommend discontinuation of the medication if this occurs. 

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) also updated its recommendations for the use of certain medications containing synthetic progestins, such as nomegestrol and chlormadinone. These medications are typically used as part of hormone therapy for menopause and to treat conditions like endometriosis.

The EMA has recommended that high doses of these medications should be used only when absolutely necessary, for a short period of time. They should also only be used when other interventions are not appropriate. 

The EMA states that people using these medications should be closely monitored for signs of meningioma, including: 

• vison changes
• hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• loss of smell
• headaches 
• memory loss
• seizures
• weakness in arms or legs

If a person is diagnosed with a meningioma, they should discontinue the use of these medications. 

Asking your doctor about hormonal birth control

It is important to keep in mind that this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use birth control methods. 

Kecia Gaither, MD, double board certified in OB-GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine and an Associate Professor of Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cornell Weill Medicine, emphasized the importance of shared decision making between patient and provider.

“[Medical professionals should] present relative vs absolute risks, highlight benefits and patient values with their risk tolerance,” she told Healthline.

Gaither suggested alternative options when needed, such as nonhormonal (copper) IUDs and barrier methods. 

There should also be a preference for the lowest effective dose of medications with progesterone and progestin, which should be used for the shortest amount of time possible.

Decisions about birth control should be made based on individual preference, as well as personal and family history of meningioma.