Can Birth Control Cause Brain Tumors?

The link between hormonal birth control and brain tumors is strongest with the progesterone-containing shot called Depo-Provera — also known as medroxyprogesterone acetate. After studies showed an increased meningioma risk with the shot, the FDA approved a new meningioma warning on the drug’s label in December 2025.

So far, research hasn’t associated the same increased risk with other birth control pills, IUDs, patches or implants. Here’s what the research shows and what it may mean for you.

A meningioma is a slow-growing tumor that forms on the membranes surrounding the brain. In rare cases, meningioma can also form on the membranes surrounding the spine. It’s the most common type of brain tumor. Meningiomas are usually noncancerous, but they can cause serious symptoms if they grow and press into surrounding tissues.

Symptoms can vary depending on the tumor’s size and location. Common symptoms include headaches, hearing loss, muscle weakness, loss of smell, seizures, vision changes and memory problems. If the tumor grows too large and symptoms become severe, doctors usually recommend surgery to remove it.

These brain tumors most often affect women. Researchers have found these tumors could be linked to specific hormones, especially progesterone. It is found in the body and some types of birth control.

So far, the shot medroxyprogesterone acetate is the only form of birth control linked to a meaningful increased risk of brain tumors. Studies in medical journals such as BMJ, JAMA Neurology and Neuro-Oncology suggest that women using Depo-Provera for a year or more may have about two to six times greater risk of meningioma. 

“While there was increased risk (about 2.4-fold), the number needed to harm was relatively high, so the overall population risk remains low,” JAMA Neurology study author Dr. Varun Kshettry told Neurology Today. 

The shot delivers a high dose of hormones at once, so it lasts for three months. Researchers think this high dose may influence the connection between Depo and meningioma risk.

Based on these studies, the FDA approved adding a warning to Depo-Provera’s label in December 2025.

Keep in mind that studies have only found associations. There isn’t any evidence that the shot actually causes brain tumors. It’s also important to know that the absolute risk remains low. However, women who use the birth control shot long-term could face the greatest increased risk.

Other Hormonal Contraceptives

Most oral birth control pills have not been linked to meningioma in the same way as the shot. The BMJ study found only a slight increase in risk with oral forms of medroxyprogesterone acetate.

Studies also linked some high-dose progesterone products to an increased risk, but not all of them are used as birth control. Researchers also didn’t find an increased risk of meningioma in other birth control methods. These include non-hormonal IUDs (like the copper IUD), levonorgestrel IUDs (like Mirena) and the etonogestrel implant.

The FDA has acknowledged the studies flagging a potential meningioma risk. They approved a label update that informs the public about the association between meningioma and Depo-Provera. Because studies found an increased risk in women who got the shot for one year or more, the updated label says the risk affects those who use the shot long-term.

The label change also recommends that medical providers monitor women on Depo for signs of meningioma. If you are diagnosed with meningioma while taking Depo, the label says you should stop receiving the shot. However, make sure you talk to your doctor before stopping the medication on your own.

After the studies flagged the potential risk, people who used Depo-Provera long-term and were later diagnosed with a brain tumor have begun filing lawsuits.

Some people who used the shot and were later diagnosed with brain tumors filed Depo-Provera lawsuits. They claim the drug’s manufacturers failed to properly warn patients and doctors about the risk. They also claim the drug was defective in design because it could increase the risk of meningioma.

As of June 2026, more than 5,500 people from all over the country have filed lawsuits in Florida federal court. They have formed a multidistrict litigation (MDL), which combines cases from all states.

If you used or are currently using Depo-Provera and are concerned about the increased risk of meningioma, you can talk to your doctor or look into other birth control options. You can also learn about your legal options if you received a meningioma diagnosis.

Depo-Provera alternatives include most oral contraceptives, non-hormonal IUDs and IUDs with levonorgestrel. Studies haven’t linked these birth controls to an increased meningioma risk.

This list is for informational purposes only. You should talk to your providers before making any medical decisions.