Depo-Provera Contraceptive Injection Linked to Brain Tumours

When it comes to contraception, most women are just trying to find something that works for our bodies, our lifestyles, and our peace of mind. Between juggling work, relationships, and maybe even kids, the last thing anyone wants is to second-guess their birth control. That’s why long-acting options like Depo-Provera have been so popular - one injection every three months and you’re good to go. Easy, right?

But Depo-Provera has been making headlines recently - and not in a good way.

A new wave of research is raising some pretty serious concerns about potential health risks tied to this injection, including a link to brain tumors. And if you’ve ever been on Depo, are on it now, or have a daughter or friend who is, this is something you’ll want to know about.

What Exactly Is Depo-Provera?

Even if you've never used it yourself, you’ve likely heard about it. Depo-Provera is a hormonal contraceptive injection that lasts for around three months. It works by releasing medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic version of the hormone progesterone. This hormone stops your body from ovulating and thickens cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to reach an egg.

It’s been a go-to option for many women for years, and although it was more popular about a decade ago it’s still one of the primary solutions women opt for. Especially those who want something low-maintenance or who can’t take estrogen-based birth control. It’s also been prescribed for things like heavy periods and endometriosis symptoms.

But… some red flags are starting to pop up.

So, What’s the Concern?

A recent study published in The British Medical Journal found that women who used medroxyprogesterone acetate for a year or more had a 5.6 times greater risk of developing meningiomas—a type of slow-growing brain tumor.

And it’s not just one study raising eyebrows.

Another large-scale study published in JAMA (2024) also highlighted a similar trend, showing that women who used progestogen-based treatments like Depo-Provera for a year or more had anywhere from 2.4 to 5.6 times the odds of developing meningiomas compared to women who never used them.

Before anyone panics, let’s take a pause here. We’re not talking about cancerous tumors in most cases. Meningiomas are usually benign. But just because something isn’t cancer doesn’t mean it’s harmless. These tumors can grow large enough to cause serious issues like vision loss, memory problems, and even seizures. And they often require surgery or ongoing monitoring.

In short? If you’ve been on Depo up until now, you may not have any issues at all, but it’s up to you whether it’s worth the risk to continue and it’s not something to take lightly.

Real-Life Story: Lucy’s Wake-Up Call

Lucy Woodhouse is a 43-year-old nurse from the UK who shared her story last year. She started experiencing weird symptoms - headaches, confusion, vision problems. She brushed it off (don’t we all?). But it turned out she had a golf ball-sized tumor in her brain. That’s some scary shii…

Lucy had been on Depo-Provera and other hormonal treatments. In an NY Post interview she says “she believes the meningioma tumor is linked to the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection, rounds of IVF she had and HRT medication - all of which contain the hormone progesterone.” She’s now sharing her story to warn others, especially since this risk wasn’t something she was ever warned about when starting treatment. One of our team members here at Terra also used this contraceptive for a period of time a few years ago and was never alerted to these risks either.

So, Why Weren’t We Told?

That’s the million-dollar question.

When we trust a medication, we assume it’s been fully tested and that we’ve been told about the possible side effects. But like many women’s health issues, the full story sometimes only comes out years later - once the research finally catches up and enough people have been affected. Some legal cases are already underway, with claims that the risks weren’t properly disclosed by manufacturers like Pfizer. If you’ve been affected, you may have grounds to explore legal action (especially if you've experienced medical complications that weren’t clearly communicated upfront).

Should You Be Worried?

This is the key question. Whilst we don’t want you to worry unnecessarily, it is important to feel empowered to look out for yourself and your wellbeing.

If you’ve used Depo-Provera, it doesn’t mean you’re going to develop a tumor. But it does mean it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor, especially if you’ve been on it for over a year or have noticed unusual symptoms like:

• Persistent headaches
• Vision changes
• Trouble with memory or focus
• Balance or coordination issues

These symptoms don’t automatically point to anything serious but it’s always better to get them checked out. You know your body best. So if something feels off, listen to that little voice.

Exploring Other Contraceptive Options

Feeling unsure about Depo-Provera now? Not surprising! The good news is there are plenty of birth control options out there, including:

• IUDs (hormonal or copper)
• The pill: (different formulations based on your needs)‍
• Hormonal patches or vaginal rings
• Barrier methods like condoms or diaphragms‍
• Fertility tracking apps (if you’re looking for hormone-free options & an unexpected pregnancy isn’t a huge concern for you - as this method isn’t as reliable as the alternatives)
  

Talk to your friends, see what they’ve tried and what works/doesn’t work for them, but remember that what works for one woman might not work for another. We’re all different. The important thing is finding something that fits your body and your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Advocate for Your Health

This story isn’t meant to scare you - it’s meant to empower you.

We all deserve transparency and the ability to make informed choices about our health. You have a right to know if something you’re using every three months could pose serious long-term risks to your wellbeing.

So if you’re feeling uneasy or unsure, start by booking a chat with your GP or women’s health provider. Ask questions. Push for answers. Because nobody is going to advocate harder for your health than you.

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