Long-term use of progestins may increase the risk of developing a brain tumor, a new study suggests. Here’s what you need to know.
IUD, pill, implant, patch… today there are a multitude of methods of contraception that can be prescribed. However, while thousands of women are increasingly complaining of their side effects, a study today confirms that some of them can promote the development of brain tumors.
Published this Wednesday March 27, 2024 in the media The BMJthis French study draws attention to the dangers of prolonged taking of progestins. “Researchers set out to evaluate the real risk of intracranial meningioma requiring surgical intervention in women, associated with the use of several progestins by different routes of administration” can we first read in a press release.
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A new study carried out on more than 100,000 women
Already accused of causing cardiovascular diseases, depression or eating disorders, these hormonal contraceptives are now being singled out again.
In order to obtain the most precise result possible, the researchers examined data from 108,000 women, including 18,061 who had undergone surgery to treat an intracranial meningioma.
Following the analysis of the health data of each of the participants, it was demonstrated that “prolonged use of certain progestin hormonal medications is associated with a increased risk of developing a type of brain tumor known as intracranial meningioma” we then learn.
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Three contraceptives in the sights of experts
As indicated on the Health Insurance website, these tumors are located in the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord, “generally benign. The three contraceptives which are believed to cause meningioma are then mentioned : “prolonged use of medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone has been shown to increase the risk of intracranial meningioma.”
We note that these progestins are also used “for gynecological conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as in menopausal hormone therapy and contraceptives”.
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Risks six times higher due to certain pills
Still according to the study, oral pills containing medrogestone and promegestone and contraceptive injections containing medroxyprogesterone acetate cause up to 6 times the risk of developing a cancerous tumor.
“Prolonged use (one year or more) of medrogestone was associated with a 4.1-fold increased risk of intracranial meningioma […] “Prolonged use of medroxyprogesterone acetate injection was associated with a 5.6-fold increased risk, and prolonged use of promegestone was associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk.”we can also read.
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