Progestins are medications used in contraception, in the treatment of certain gynecological pathologies (uterine bleeding, endometriosis, etc.) or hormone replacement therapy for menopause and medically assisted procreation courses.
French researchers have observed an increased risk of meningioma – a tumor of the membranes surrounding the brain – linked to the use of three drugs with contraceptive properties.
A study of the GIS Epi-Phare published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) points to the higher risk of developing a meningioma with the use of progestins in Colprone, Depo Provera and Surgestone.
Up to 5.6 times more risk
These medications are used in contraception, in the treatment of certain gynecological pathologies (uterine bleeding, endometriosis, etc.), or hormonal replacement treatment for menopause and medically assisted procreation courses.
The scientists carried out their study on more than 18,000 women aged 45 to 74 who underwent meningioma surgery between 2009 and 2018 in France, compared to 90,000 other “control” women.
The results showed that their prolonged use increased the risk of meningioma requiring surgical intervention, 3.5 times higher for Colprone (medrogestone), 5.6 times higher for Depo Provera (injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate) and 2 times higher for Surgestone (promégestone), which has no longer been marketed since 2020 in France.
No increased risk for the hormonal IUD
Previous studies had produced similar results for other drugs: Androcur, Luteran and Lutenyl. As recalled The Parisianthese results led to the switch to Colprone for many women.
In a press release, the ANSM also indicates that Depo Provera, an injectable contraceptive, is not widely used in France but is widely used throughout the world with 74 million women affected.
On the other hand, the study does not show an increased risk of intracranial meningioma surgery in the case of a hormonal IUD containing levonorgestrel, which is widely used, particularly in France. “Very reassuring” results according to the researchers.