Scientists have raised concerns about a possible connection between Depo-Provera, a widely used injectable birth control, and an increased risk of developing intracranial meningiomas—non-cancerous brain tumors.
Emerging research suggests that prolonged use of this medication, which contains medroxyprogesterone acetate, could play a role in heightening this risk.
These findings highlight the potential Depo-Provera Meningioma risk for consumers while exploring how this relationship may unfold inside the body.
Understanding Meningiomas
The majority of meningiomas are benign brain tumors that originate from the protective meninges, which envelop both the brain and spinal cord. These non-cancerous tumors may produce serious neurological side effects when they grow, depending on their size and position.
Meningiomas account for approximately 40% of all central nervous system tumor cases, making them vital for study in public health trials.
- Recent Research Findings
The British Medical Journal published critical research in March 2024, which shows how extended use of Depo-Provera among progestogens raises the development risk for intracranial meningiomas.
Researchers collected surgical data on more than 18,000 female meningioma patients from 2009 to 2018. Depo-Provera users experienced a 5.6 times greater risk of developing intracranial meningiomas compared to their non-using counterparts when utilization extended past one year.
A subsequent major study, which emerged in November 2024, verified these results by showing that using Depo-Provera specifically led to a 53% higher risk of acquiring cerebral meningiomas. The research confirmed that elevated risks emerge as the duration of Depo-Provera use increases.
Read more about Depo-Provera and its side effects.
Potential Causes
Scientists currently study the underlying biological processes through which Depo-Provera may lead to the development of meningiomas. However, several potential meningioma causes and hypotheses have been proposed:
Hormonal Influence:
Meningiomas demonstrate sensitivity when exposed to hormonal substances such as progesterone. Medroxyprogesterone acetate may trigger abnormal growth within hormone-sensitive tissues through its molecular resemblance to natural progesterone.
Monitoring reveals that over 60% of meningiomas have progesterone receptors, which indicates that continuous synthetic progestogen exposure might cause tumor acceleration.
Duration of Exposure:
Research shows that using Depo-Provera beyond one year raises the risk of meningioma development substantially. However, people who use this medication for short periods are less prone to risk because treatment time serves as a vital determinant.
Location and Growth Patterns:
Meningiomas commonly develop within body regions that contain plentiful blood vessels and hormone receptors. Extended hormonal exposure may cause region-sensitive growth stimulation, which results in tumor formation.
Implications for Patients
According to these research outcomes, potential Depo-Provera users must understand the extended use-related risks.
Women who choose Depo-Provera for its injectable birth control benefits need to speak with their healthcare provider about other contraceptive methods they should consider together, especially if they intend to use Depo-Provera for a long duration.

Understanding health risks connected with extended Depo-Provera use remains insufficient for the majority of female patients, and it needs improvement to increase awareness about such concerns.
Medical experts and end-users expressed concern after the U.S. packaging of Depo-Provera failed to advise on the potential meningioma risk. Warnings regarding this risk appear on product labels throughout Canada and the European Union.
Legal Considerations
The financial liability of Depo-Provera grows as people develop meningiomas from using the contraceptive and subsequently initiate legal proceedings against their medical provider.
Pfizer faces emerging lawsuits because it failed to provide proper risk information. Currently, affected users demand compensation for health issues caused by the medication.
Conclusion
Extensive research has established a strong association between long-term Depo-Provera use and an increased risk of intracranial meningiomas. While further studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms fully, the evidence highlights the importance of informed contraceptive choices.
If you have used Depo-Provera and experienced health complications, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider and explore alternative birth control options. Additionally, you may be eligible for legal action if you were not adequately warned about the Depo-Provera Meningioma risk.