Paris, France – Millions of women worldwide who rely on certain hormone medications for contraception and managing gynaecological conditions like endometriosis may face an increased risk of developing rare brain tumours, researchers have found. According to a recent study published in the BMJ by researchers at France’s National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, prolonged use of specific progestogen medications has been associated with a higher risk of meningioma, which are typically noncancerous tumours that form in the brain’s surrounding tissues.
While the risk of meningioma was found to be elevated in women who used these medications for more than a year, experts emphasize that the overall risk remains very small. Progestogens, which mimic the natural hormone progesterone, are commonly used in contraceptives, for conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, and in hormone replacement therapies during menopause.
The study focused on eight commonly used forms of progestogens, with findings indicating a greater risk of meningioma that required surgical intervention in women who used three specific progestogens for more than 12 months. Oral pills like medrogestone and promegestone were linked to a 4.1 and 2.7-fold higher risk of meningioma, respectively, while medroxyprogesterone acetate, a contraceptive injection known as Depo-Provera, was associated with a 5.6-fold increased risk.
It is important to note that the observational study cannot prove a causal relationship between these hormones and tumour development. The study did not find an excess risk for other widely used forms of progestogens such as progesterone and dydrogesterone, or hormonal intrauterine systems commonly used for contraception.
In response to the findings, Pfizer, the manufacturer of Depo-Provera, stated that they are working with regulatory agencies to update product labels and patient information leaflets with appropriate warnings. The researchers behind the study are advocating for further research into the safety of these hormones, particularly injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, which is used by 74 million women worldwide.
Despite the potential risks identified in the study, experts emphasize that the overall risk of developing meningioma remains very small. Women who are currently using or have used Depo-Provera in the past are advised not to discontinue usage without consulting their healthcare provider. Researchers and experts in the field underscore the importance of continued monitoring and research into the safety and potential risks associated with hormone medications for women’s health.