Prolonged use of certain progestogen hormone drugs, including medrogestone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, and promegestone, is associated with an increased risk of developing intracranial meningioma, a type of brain tumor. This study, based on data from 18,061 women, emphasizes the need for further research to fully understand the risks associated with progestogen use, given their widespread use in treating conditions like endometriosis and as part of contraceptive methods.
All types of hormonal contraceptives carry a small increased risk of breast cancer, with progestogen pills associated with a 20-30% higher risk, according to research by University of Oxford. The risk was small and should not discourage most people from taking the pill, said Cancer Research UK. The study is based on data from 9,498 women who developed invasive breast cancer between ages 20 to 49, and 18,171 closely matched women without breast cancer. The findings are important as progestogen-only contraception is growing in popularity, with prescription levels matching those of combined oral contraceptives in 2020.
