Can birth control pills cause meningioma? Understanding the hormonal links

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies have shown that certain types of hormonal exposure are linked to an increased risk of meningioma, a generally benign brain tumor that is more common in women. This has led many to question: Can birth control pills cause meningioma? The answer is nuanced, depending heavily on the specific hormonal compounds used.

Quick Summary

Prolonged use of specific progestogens found in some birth control and hormone therapies, but not all, has been linked to an increased meningioma risk. The risk is dose and duration-dependent, and discontinuing the medication may cause tumor stabilization.

Key Points

Not all birth control pills are linked to risk: Only certain progestogens, particularly in higher doses or with long-term use, have shown an association with meningioma.
Duration is a key factor: The risk of meningioma generally increases with prolonged use (typically over one or five years), and is not associated with short-term exposure.
Medroxyprogesterone and desogestrel carry a higher risk: Injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) and long-term desogestrel (75µg) use have both been linked to increased meningioma risk in recent studies.
Levonorgestrel and micronized progesterone appear safe: Studies have provided reassuring results showing no excess meningioma risk with levonorgestrel-containing contraceptives (including IUDs) or micronized progesterone.
Stopping the hormone can help: For diagnosed meningiomas, discontinuing the associated hormonal therapy can lead to tumor stabilization or regression, often avoiding the need for immediate surgery.
Meningiomas are typically benign but require monitoring: Though most are non-cancerous, meningiomas can cause serious symptoms depending on their size and location, necessitating careful monitoring or intervention.

The Connection Between Hormones and Meningiomas

Meningiomas are tumors that arise from the meninges, the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal word. They are the most common type of primary intracranial tumor, with a higher prevalence in women and a potential for faster growth during pregnancy. Approximately 70-90% of meningiomas contain progesterone receptors, suggesting a link between female sex hormones and tumor growth.

Recent large studies have examined the risk associated with synthetic progestogens used in hormonal contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy. These studies highlight that not all hormonal birth control methods carry the same risk, and factors like duration and dosage are important.

Identifying the Progestogens Linked to Meningioma

While high-dose progestogens like cyproterone acetate were previously known to increase meningioma risk, newer research has identified risks with more common contraceptives.

Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA)

Injectable MPA (Depo-Provera) has been linked to an increased risk of meningioma, especially with use exceeding one year. Both a French study in The BMJ and a large US study found a higher risk associated with longer durations of injectable MPA use.

Desogestrel

Some progestogen-only pills containing desogestrel have shown a small increased risk of meningioma with continuous use beyond five years. A 2025 study in The BMJ noted that this risk was not present with short-term use and disappeared about a year after stopping the medication.

Levonorgestrel

Levonorgestrel, found in hormonal IUDs and some combined oral contraceptives, appears to have a reassuring safety profile regarding meningioma risk. Large studies found no excess risk of intracranial meningioma with levonorgestrel-based contraceptives, regardless of the duration of use.

Other Progestogens

Studies have also shown no excess risk for micronized progesterone and dydrogesterone. However, some potent progestogens like medrogestone and promegestone have been associated with increased risk.

The Significance of Duration and Dosage

The risk of meningioma is consistently linked to the dose and duration of progestogen exposure. Higher doses and longer durations, such as over five years of continuous use, are associated with a greater risk. Cumulative lifetime exposure is a factor, particularly for women using hormonal therapy for multiple conditions.

Meningioma Treatment and Prognosis

Most meningiomas are benign but can cause symptoms like vision problems, seizures, or headaches depending on their location and size. Treatment options include observation, surgery, or radiation. A notable characteristic of progestin-associated meningiomas is that they often stabilize or regress after stopping the hormonal treatment, potentially avoiding surgery.

Choosing Contraception Wisely

Women with meningioma risk factors or a meningioma diagnosis may consider avoiding progestogens with a known high risk. It is crucial to discuss your medical history and concerns with a healthcare provider to make an informed decision about contraception.

Hormonal Contraceptives and Meningioma Risk


Contraceptive Type (Primary Progestogen)	Example Product	Meningioma Risk with Long-Term Use (>1 year)	Key Considerations
Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MPA)	Depo-Provera (injectable)	High risk; some studies show over 5x increase	Risk is dose- and duration-dependent. Consider alternatives for long-term use.
Desogestrel (75µg)	Progestogen-only pill	Small increased risk after 5+ continuous years	Risk is considered very low and reverses upon discontinuation.
Levonorgestrel	Hormonal IUDs (e.g., Mirena)	No excess risk observed	A reassuring safety profile, suitable for long-term use.
Micronized Progesterone	Oral, intravaginal preparations	No excess risk observed	A safer hormonal alternative for various indications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while most birth control methods pose a very low or no increased risk, certain progestogens, particularly with prolonged and higher-dose use, have been linked to an elevated risk of meningioma. Examples include injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate and long-term desogestrel use. Individuals with existing risk factors or a meningioma diagnosis should review all hormonal treatments with their doctor. Discontinuing the implicated medication can often lead to tumor stabilization or regression. Ongoing research continues to enhance our understanding, emphasizing the importance of personalized medical consultation for patient safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recent studies have linked specific synthetic progestogens, not all birth control pills, to meningioma risk. The injectable contraceptive medroxyprogesterone acetate (Depo-Provera) and the progestogen-only pill containing 75µg desogestrel have been associated with increased risk with long-term use.

The absolute risk of developing a meningioma from birth control is very low. For instance, a 2025 study estimated that for every 67,000 women using desogestrel, one might require surgery for meningioma. This small increase in a rare disease must be weighed against contraceptive benefits.

The risk is strongly associated with the duration and cumulative dose of use. Studies found a significantly increased risk with prolonged use, often defined as more than five continuous years. Short-term use is not typically associated with an increased risk.

If you are concerned about your birth control and meningioma risk, it is essential to speak with your doctor. They can assess your individual risk factors and help you decide on the best contraceptive method for your health.

Meningioma symptoms depend on the tumor's size and location but can include headaches, seizures, weakness in the limbs, and vision problems. However, many meningiomas are asymptomatic, especially when small.

Yes. One unique aspect of progestin-associated meningiomas is that they often stabilize or even regress in size after discontinuing the hormonal treatment. This can help avoid or delay surgery in some cases.

No. Not all hormonal contraceptives increase meningioma risk. Studies show no excess risk with levonorgestrel (in IUDs and some pills) and micronized progesterone, for example.