Introduction
Could a commonly used contraceptive injection increase your chances of having brain tumors? A recent study reports that the birth control shot (DMPA) increases brain tumor risk, specifically for cerebral meningioma, a tumor that develops in the protective membranes around the brain. Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (DMPA), is a hormonal birth control medication that contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. DMPA prevents ovulation stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg, thickens cervical mucus making it harder for sperm to reach an egg, and thins the uterine lining making it less likely for a fertilized egg to implant.
While the absolute risk remains small, the research raises important considerations for women’s health and contraceptive decisions. The study adds to growing evidence that hormonal contraceptives may influence brain tumor development.
For women weighing their contraceptive options, these findings are an important reminder that every method has benefits and risks. Understanding how the birth control shot DMPA increases brain tumor risk especially with long-term use can help patients and providers make informed decisions.
Background
Meningiomas are tumors that form in the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but they can still cause serious neurological problems if they grow large enough to press on brain tissue, nerves, or blood vessels. A meningioma is not specifically a brain tumor, but it may press on the nearby brain, nerves and vessels. Meningioma is the most common type of tumor that forms in the head. Symptoms may include headaches, vision changes, seizures, or cognitive difficulties.
Researchers have long suspected that hormones may play a role in the development of meningiomas. Previous studies suggested that estrogen and progestin exposure could influence tumor growth, but the evidence has been mixed. This new research specifically examined whether the birth control shot DMPA — a long-acting injectable contraceptive that delivers synthetic progestin — might be associated with a higher risk of cerebral meningioma. In otherwords, the research sought to find out if the birth control shot DMPA increases brain tumor risk
According to the authors, the current study adds to the body of literature reporting an increased association between depo medroxyprogesterone acetate and cerebral meningioma. The association has been previously reported among three different studies: (1) A French study utilizing population controls selected from a French national health registry and intracranial meningioma cases who had surgery; (2) a study utilizing data from a database of women with employer-provided commercial insurance who sought medical care and included cases regardless of treatment; and (3) a single-center study utilizing controls with diagnosed non-meningioma cancer and meningioma cases regardless of treatment.
Research Overview: Study Design and Goals
The new study, published in Current Oncology (2025), took a closer look at this question.
- Study Type: Matched case-control study
- Comparator: Active comparator method, comparing women who used DMPA with those who used other hormonal contraceptives
- Population: Women diagnosed with cerebral meningioma were matched against women without the condition
- Goal: To evaluate whether exposure to the birth control shot DMPA increases brain tumor risk compared to non-users or users of other hormonal contraceptives
By using a large medical records database, researchers were able to identify patterns in contraceptive use and tumor diagnoses across thousands of women.
Key Findings: DMPA and Brain Tumor Risk
The study revealed several important findings:
- Higher Risk for DMPA Users
Women who had been exposed to DMPA were significantly more likely to develop cerebral meningioma compared to women who had not used this contraceptive. - Duration Matters
The risk was stronger among women who used the birth control shot DMPA for longer periods or had repeated injections over time. - Absolute Risk Still Low
Despite the increased relative risk, the overall likelihood of developing cerebral meningioma remains small. In other words, while the study suggests that the birth control shot DMPA increases brain tumor risk, most women who use DMPA will not develop a tumor.
Implications for Women’s Health
The findings raise important considerations for women and their healthcare providers:
- For women: If you are currently using or considering the birth control shot, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your doctor. This is especially important if you plan to use it for many years.
- For healthcare providers: These results highlight the need for careful contraceptive counseling and may influence prescribing practices.
- For researchers: More studies are needed to confirm the link and explore the biological mechanisms by which hormones could contribute to tumor development.
Expert Perspectives
The study authors stressed that their results should not cause alarm but should encourage informed decision-making.
They noted:
“The absolute risk of cerebral meningioma is still very low. However, our findings indicate a potential association with DMPA use that women and clinicians should consider.”
Independent health experts echoed this caution, advising that contraceptive choices should always be personalized. Factors such as age, medical history, and risk tolerance all play a role in determining the safest option.
Limitations of the Study
While the study strengthens the evidence linking DMPA to meningioma risk, it does have limitations:
- Association, not causation: The study cannot prove that the birth control shot DMPA directly causes brain tumors.
- Data gaps: Health record databases may miss details like exact dosage, duration of use, or other lifestyle factors.
- Population scope: The findings may not apply equally across all ethnic, age, or geographic groups.
Conclusion
This new research suggests that the birth control shot DMPA increases brain tumor risk, particularly with long-term or repeated use. Although the absolute risk remains small, these findings add important information for women making contraceptive decisions.
Ultimately, the safest path is informed choice: weigh the benefits of reliable contraception against potential risks, and have open conversations with your healthcare provider.
What do you think about these findings that birth control shot DMPA increases brain tumor risk? Would concerns about brain tumor risk affect your choice of contraception? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and follow us for more evidence-based women’s health updates.
Sources
Griffin, R., & Arend, R. (2025). A Matched Case-Control Study Examining the Association Between Exposure to Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate and Cerebral Meningioma Using an Active Comparator. Current oncology (Toronto, Ont.), 32(7), 401. https://doi.org/10.3390/curroncol32070401
Eden Parks (2025, Jan 28). Drexel University College of Medicine. Is There a Link Between Depo-Provera and Meningiomas? https://drexel.edu/medicine/academics/md-program/scholars-programs/womens-health-education-program/whep-blog/is-there-a-link-between-depo-provera-and-meningiomas/
Griffin R. L. (2024). The Association between Medroxyprogesterone Acetate Exposure and Meningioma. Cancers, 16(19), 3362. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16193362
Mayo Clinic Staff (2024, March 29). Meningioma- Symptoms and Causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20355643
