The Contraceptive Pill Desogestrel Linked to Small Increase in Brain Tumor Risk
Recent research has found a potential link between the contraceptive pill desogestrel and an increased risk of developing an intracranial meningioma brain tumor. While the risk is low, it appears to be associated with long-term use of desogestrel.
Meningiomas are typically non-cancerous tumors that can lead to neurological issues and may require surgical intervention. Previous studies have suggested a connection between synthetic progestogens like desogestrel and meningioma development, as these drugs mimic the hormone progesterone important in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
The French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety conducted a study to assess the risk associated with desogestrel use. The findings indicated that among women using desogestrel continuously for more than five years, the risk of developing a tumor requiring surgery was estimated at 1 in 17,331. For those using desogestrel for less than five years, the risk was 1 in 67,300.
While the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the researchers recommend caution with prolonged desogestrel use and advocate for regular monitoring for any potential brain issues.
According to the researchers, women who have used desogestrel 75 micrograms for more than five continuous years should be monitored for meningioma due to the small associated risk. The risk of meningioma increased with the duration of use and with the use of progestogens known to have an elevated risk.
The study, based on records of 92,301 women with an average age of 59.7 years, compared 8,391 women who underwent meningioma surgery to 10 women without tumors matched by age and location. In addition to the slight risk increase, the researchers observed that the association disappeared after discontinuing desogestrel use for a year, suggesting potential regression of the tumor.
Neurosurgeon Gilles Reuter from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège in Belgium noted that stopping desogestrel treatment upon meningioma diagnosis could potentially prevent the need for surgery, as tumor regression may occur following cessation of progestogen-induced meningioma.
In contrast, the study found no increased risk associated with levonorgestrel, another synthetic progestogen, even with prolonged use exceeding five years. This suggests that levonorgestrel may be a safer contraceptive option for older women compared to other pills linked to meningioma risk.
Obstetrician and gynecologist Gino Pecoraro from the University of Queensland in Australia emphasized the importance of discussing contraceptive options with healthcare providers, considering individual circumstances. The research was published in The BMJ.
