Latest news with #desogestrel
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Long-Term Contraceptive Pill Use Linked With Brain Tumor Risk
The contraceptive pill desogestrel has been linked to a small increase in the risk of developing an intracranial meningioma brain tumor in new research – though the risk is relatively low, and only appears with long-term desogestrel use. These tumors are usually non-cancerous, but can lead to neurological problems, and sometimes require surgery. Meningioma has previously been linked to synthetic progestogen drugs, like desogestrel, which are designed to mimic the natural hormone progesterone that is important in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. The researchers, led by a team from the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety, wanted to build on those earlier studies to check the risk for desogestrel. The study estimated that among women using desogestrel continuously for more than five years, 1 in 17,331 would develop a tumor that requires surgery. Under five years, the risk is 1 in 67,300. That's relatively small, and the way the study is structured means it doesn't show direct cause and effect. However, the study team is recommending caution with extended use of this contraceptive pill, and regular testing for any brain issues. "Monitoring for meningioma should focus on women who have used desogestrel 75 micrograms for more than five continuous years, in whom we found a small risk of meningioma," write the researchers in their published paper. "As with the other progestogens, risk increased with duration of use and after use of a progestogen of known associated increased risk." The findings are based on records of 92,301 women, with an average age of 59.7 years. Each of the 8,391 women in that group who had undergone surgery for a meningioma were compared to 10 women without tumors, matched by age and location. As well as noting the small risk increase, the researchers also observed that the association disappeared after a year without taking desogestrel. That's good news, and may help with future treatments. "Although direct evidence is still lacking, stopping treatment when desogestrel-related meningioma is diagnosed may preclude the need for surgery as regression of meningioma can be expected in line with cessation of any other progestogen-induced meningioma," neurosurgeon Gilles Reuter from the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège in Belgium, who wasn't involved in the study, writes in an accompanying editorial. In the same analysis the researchers also looked at levonorgestrel, another synthetic progestogen, but in this case the data showed no increased risk – even when it was used for more than five years. That means taking levonorgestrel may be a better option for older women than some of the other contraceptive pills previously linked to meningioma risk – though as always, it's important that any decisions about drugs and treatment are made in consultation with health professionals. "Generally speaking, I do not believe this study should raise cause for alarm but merely drive discussion by women with their doctor around what is the best contraceptive option for them," says obstetrician and gynecologist Gino Pecoraro, from the University of Queensland in Australia, who wasn't involved in the study. The research has been published in The BMJ. Just One Night of Poor Sleep Can Change How Your Brain Sees Food Insulin Isn't Just Made by The Pancreas. Here's Another Location Few Know About. Expert Reveals 5 Important Reasons to Avoid Alcohol When Injured
The Sun
11-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Taking common contraceptive pill long-term could increase your risk of life-threatening brain tumour, scientists warn
TAKING a progesterone-only contraceptive pill for more than five years is linked to an increased risk of a life-threatening brain tumour, say scientists. Desogestrel is a synthetic progestogen hormone used in oral contraceptives, specifically the progestogen-only pill (POP) or mini-pill. 1 While it offers several benefits beyond preventing pregnancy, such as regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing heavy or painful periods, new research suggests taking it continuously for more than five years is linked to a small increased risk of developing an intracranial meningioma. An intracranial meningioma is a tumour that develops from the meninges, the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord. These tumours are typically benign (non- cancerous) and slow-growing. But they can be life-threatening depending on size, location, and growth rate. The tumours are more common in older women, but previous studies lack information on the specific type of progestogen used - and risk has not been measured for continuous, current, and long term use. In the study from France published by The BMJ, researchers set out to assess the real-life risk of the brain tumour and short-term (less than a year) and prolonged (one to seven or more years) use of oral contraceptives containing desogestrel 75µg, levonorgestrel 30µg, or levonorgestrel 50-150 µg combined with oestrogen. Their findings were based on data from the French national health data system (SNDS) for 8,391 women who had undergone surgery for intracranial meningioma in 2020-2023. Each case was matched to 10 control women without meningioma of the same age and area of residence. The results showed a small increased risk associated with use of desogestrel for more than five continuous years. An increased risk wasn't found for shorter durations or when desogestrel had been discontinued for more than one year. Women taking fat jabs need 'effective contraception' - as health chiefs warn of serious harm to unborn babies The risk was greater in women older than 45 and after prolonged use of one of the known high risk progestogens before desogestrel. Although the researchers added the risk disappeared one year after stopping taking the pill. It was estimated that 67,000 women would need to use desogestrel for one woman to need surgery for intracranial meningioma, and 17,000 women if current use was for more than five years. No increased risk was found for levonorgestrel, alone or combined with oestrogen, regardless of duration of use. The researchers suggested desogestrel be discontinued if an intracranial meningioma is identified and patients monitored rather than undergoing immediate surgery. Desogestrel safety Desogestrel, when used as a progestogen-only pill (POP), is generally considered safe and effective, but it has some potential side effects and risks. But it's important to discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional. Highly effective When taken correctly, it's more than 99 per cent effective in preventing pregnancy. No protection against STIs The POP doesn't protect against sexually transmitted infections, so it's essential to use condoms for STI protection. Important to take regularly You need to take it at or around the same time every day, without breaks between packs. Possible side effects Ovarian cysts Some users might develop small, fluid-filled cysts on their ovaries, which are generally not dangerous and often resolve on their own. When to seek medical advice
