Desogestrel Pill Use Linked to Higher Brain Tumor Risk

A French study found that using the desogestrel pill for over 5 years is linked to a small increase in brain tumor risk. This is compared to other pills like levonorgestrel, which showed no link.
By Newsroom | Health, France |

Recent scientific inquiry has illuminated a potential link between certain long-term contraceptive practices and an increased risk of developing brain tumors, specifically meningioma. A significant case-control study originating from France has pinpointed desogestrel, a type of progestogen-only pill, as a factor associated with a "small but measurable increase" in meningioma risk when used continuously for over five years. This finding emerged from an examination of over 8,300 women who underwent surgery for brain tumors.

Long-term use of contraceptives taken by millions of women linked to brain tumours, study finds - but researchers identify safer options - 1

Further analysis suggests that this elevated risk, observed with desogestrel, has parallels with other high-risk progestogens. Conversely, contraceptive options containing levonorgestrel, such as Microgynon and some morning-after pills, did not exhibit this association, even with extended usage. Another contraceptive injection, depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (dMPA), has also been implicated in a notably higher risk of meningiomas with long-term use, although the overall incidence of meningioma remains uncommon.

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Long-term use of contraceptives taken by millions of women linked to brain tumours, study finds - but researchers identify safer options - 2

Specific Hormonal Contraceptives Under the Microscope

The focus of the current research appears to be on progestogen-based contraceptives.

Desogestrel: The Primary Concern

  • A study involving French women indicated that continuous use of desogestrel for more than five years correlated with a heightened risk of meningioma.

  • The observed increase in risk, while statistically significant, is characterized as "small."

Levonorgestrel: A Less Risky Alternative?

  • Contraceptives featuring levonorgestrel, including combined pills and morning-after pills, were not found to be linked to an increased risk of meningioma in the same studies.

  • This suggests a potential distinction in how different progestogens interact with tumor development.

Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (dMPA): Noteworthy Association

  • Research has highlighted a substantial risk increase – reportedly 143% higher – for brain tumors associated with long-term use of dMPA injections.

  • Despite this association, dMPA is still acknowledged as an "effective and valuable option for many women."

Context and Future Directions

The findings of these studies are being positioned within a broader understanding of how hormones can influence cancer and tumor risk. Researchers express a need for further investigation, particularly by evaluating similar data across different countries. The objective is to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between hormone treatments and the development of brain tumors, which could ultimately guide the identification of at-risk individuals and the refinement of safer contraceptive strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the new study about desogestrel and brain tumors find?
A study in France found that women using the desogestrel pill for more than five years had a small increase in the risk of developing meningioma, a type of brain tumor.
Q: Are all birth control pills linked to this risk?
No, the study suggested that birth control pills containing levonorgestrel, like Microgynon, did not show this link, even with long-term use.
Q: What about other hormonal contraceptives like injections?
The study also noted that long-term use of the dMPA injection was linked to a much higher risk of brain tumors, though meningiomas are still rare.
Q: What does this mean for women's health?
Researchers want to study this more in other countries to better understand how hormones affect brain tumor risk and to help find safer options for women in the future.