Urgent Health Advisory: Increased risk of Meningioma Linked to Certain Progestogen-Only Contraceptives
Table of Contents
- 1. Urgent Health Advisory: Increased risk of Meningioma Linked to Certain Progestogen-Only Contraceptives
- 2. What are the typical symptoms of an intracranial meningioma, and why is it crucial to consult a doctor if you experience them?
- 3. Desogestrel and Meningioma Risk: A Patient Guide
- 4. Understanding Desogestrel and its Use
- 5. What is an Intracranial Meningioma?
- 6. The Link Between Desogestrel and Meningioma: What the Research Says
- 7. Who is most at Risk?
- 8. What Should You Do if You’re Currently Taking Desogestrel?
- 9. Benefits of Desogestrel – A Balanced Viewpoint
Breaking News: A recent health assessment has identified a potential link between specific progestogen-only contraceptives and an increased risk of developing meningioma, a type of tumor typically found on the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. While the risk is considered very low, healthcare providers are urged to review current prescriptions and engage in informed discussions with patients.
Which Contraceptives Are Affected?
The advisory specifically highlights contraceptives containing Désogestrel and Etonogestrel. These include:
Progestogen-only pills: Microprogestative Désogestrel 75 µg (brands like Antigone, Optimizette, Cerazette, Biogaran)
Combined pills: Oestroprogestatif Désogestrel 150 µg/EE (brands like Dinobel, Mercilon, Varnoline)
Contraceptive implants: Etonogestrel (Nexplanon)
While not explicitly stated as high-risk categories in this advisory, other progestogen-containing contraceptives mentioned as part of a broader discussion include Luteran (and generics), Cyproterone (Androter and generics), Nomestrol (Lotényl and generics), Medrogestone (Colprone), and Medroxyprogesterone (Depo Provera).
Evergreen Insights: What Patients and Doctors Need to Know
This alert serves as a crucial reminder that all medications carry potential risks, and contraceptive choices require ongoing evaluation. Here’s what you need to know for the long term:
1. Informed Dialogue is Key:
Don’t Panic, Be Informed: It’s vital for healthcare providers to discuss these findings with patients without causing undue alarm. the risk of developing a meningioma from these contraceptives is very low. However, abrupt discontinuation without proper medical guidance can lead to unintended pregnancies, which carry meaningful risks themselves.
Open dialogue: Encourage open dialogue about individual medical history, expectations, and concerns regarding contraceptive use.
2. Annual Reassessment is Crucial:
Personalized Care: Contraceptive needs and risks can change over time. An annual review allows for adaptation based on age, personal health history, evolving expectations, and the duration of contraceptive use.
Making Informed Choices: regular consultations empower patients to make informed decisions about their contraception, understanding the benefits and any potential risks.
3. Understanding Your History Matters:
Track Your Usage: It’s crucial for both patients and doctors to be aware of the specific progestins used and for how long.
Consider Alternatives: For individuals over 45 years old or those who have been using these contraceptives for five years or more, discussing alternative options with a healthcare provider is advisable.
4. When is Further inquiry Necessary?
Symptom-Driven MRI: Routine MRI scans are not recommended for all patients using these contraceptives. An MRI should only be considered if specific symptoms arise, such as persistent headaches, visual disturbances, changes in speech or memory, weakness, or the onset of epilepsy.
Myth vs. Reality:
Désogestrel Pill: Should you stop taking the Désogestrel pill? No, unless advised by your doctor.
Specific Monitoring: Is special monitoring required? Yes, an annual reassessment is recommended.
All Progestins: Are all progestins affected? No,the risk appears to be primarily associated with Désogestrel and Etonogestrel,with lower risks noted for Désogestrel. Systematic MRI/Specialist Opinion: Are MRIs or specialist opinions always necessary? No, they are reserved for cases with specific symptoms or a particular medical history.
Key Takeaways for Long-Term Health:
The potential risk of meningioma with Désogestrel, while low, is real and warrants attention. The focus remains on adapting prescriptions and conducting regular reassessments. Importantly, healthcare providers must prioritize informing patients without dramatizing the situation, fostering an surroundings of support, autonomy, and trust throughout their contraceptive journey.
What are the typical symptoms of an intracranial meningioma, and why is it crucial to consult a doctor if you experience them?
Desogestrel and Meningioma Risk: A Patient Guide
Understanding Desogestrel and its Use
Desogestrel is a progestogen-only pill (POP), frequently enough prescribed for contraception. It’s a highly effective method of birth control, especially suitable for women who cannot take estrogen-containing pills. POPs work primarily by thickening cervical mucus, preventing sperm from reaching the egg, and sometimes suppressing ovulation. Millions of women worldwide rely on desogestrel for reliable family planning. Though, recent research has brought to light a potential, albeit rare, association with an increased risk of intracranial meningioma. This guide aims to provide you with a clear understanding of this risk, what it means for you, and what steps you can take.
What is an Intracranial Meningioma?
meningiomas are tumors that arise from the meninges – the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign (non-cancerous) and grow slowly. However, they can cause symptoms by pressing on the brain or nerves, depending on their location and size.
Symptoms of intracranial meningioma can include:
Headaches (often persistent and worsening)
Vision changes (blurred vision, double vision, or loss of peripheral vision)
Seizures
Weakness in arms or legs
Changes in personality or cognitive function
It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by many other conditions, so experiencing them doesn’t automatically mean you have a meningioma. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they are new or worsening, it’s crucial to consult your doctor.
The Link Between Desogestrel and Meningioma: What the Research Says
A recent study, as reported by Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com/health-contraceptive-pill-desogestrel-brain-tumor-meningioma-2083936, suggests a potential increased risk of intracranial meningioma with long-term use (over five years) of desogestrel. The study indicates that the risk remains relatively low but it’s a factor women shoudl be aware of when considering long-term contraceptive options.
Here’s a breakdown of the key findings:
Duration of Use: The increased risk appears to be associated with continuous use of desogestrel for more than five years.
Type of Meningioma: The study specifically identified an association with intracranial meningiomas.
overall Risk: While the risk is elevated, it’s still considered rare. The absolute risk increase is small, meaning that the vast majority of women who use desogestrel for extended periods will not develop a meningioma.
Further Research: More research is needed to fully understand the nature of this association and identify potential risk factors.
Who is most at Risk?
Currently, it’s difficult to pinpoint specific individuals who are at higher risk. The study suggests the risk is related to the duration of desogestrel use, rather than individual predispositions. However, factors that may generally increase the risk of meningioma (independent of contraceptive use) include:
Age: Meningiomas are more common in older adults.
Radiation exposure: Prior radiation therapy to the head can increase risk.
Family History: A family history of meningiomas may slightly increase risk.
If you have any of these risk factors, it’s even more critically important to discuss your contraceptive options with your doctor.
What Should You Do if You’re Currently Taking Desogestrel?
The news about this potential link can understandably cause anxiety. Here’s a practical guide:
- Don’t Panic: The risk is still low.Discontinuing your contraception abruptly coudl lead to unintended pregnancy.
- Schedule a Consultation: Talk to your doctor or gynecologist. Discuss your individual risk factors, the duration of your desogestrel use, and your concerns.
- Be Aware of Symptoms: familiarize yourself with the symptoms of intracranial meningioma (listed above). Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor promptly.
- Consider Option Contraception: If you are concerned, discuss alternative contraceptive methods with your doctor. Options include:
Combined oral contraceptives (containing estrogen and progestogen)
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) – hormonal or copper
Contraceptive implants
Barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms)
Sterilization
Benefits of Desogestrel – A Balanced Viewpoint
Despite the potential risk, desogestrel offers significant benefits for many women:
Highly Effective: When used correctly, desogestrel is over 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.
Suitable for Many: It’s a good option for women who can’t take estrogen due to medical conditions like migraines with aura or a history of blood clots.
Convenient: It
