The Part Hormonal Controllers Play in Meningioma Growth

The scientific relationship between hormonal contraceptives including Depo-Provera and meningioma development

Sunday, September 22, 2024 - Millions of women throughout the world have long used hormonal contraceptives for family planning and to control their reproductive health. Rising data, however, point to some hormonal contraceptives--especially those using progestin--may be connected to the development of meningiomas, cancers developing in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Considered to be hormone-sensitive tumors, meningiomas abound in expressing receptors for both estrogen and progesterone. This feature has prompted scientists to look at whether hormonal contraceptives, which change the body's levels of these hormones, might affect the development of malignant cancers. Studies on synthetic progestins--like medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), used in Depo-Provera--have revealed that they can connect to these hormone receptors and perhaps induce the proliferation of meningioma cells. Should meningiomas' dangers not be adequately disclosed, plaintiffs may wish to consult a Depo Provera attorney and file a Depo-meningioma lawsuit.

Through the stimulation of progesterone receptors on tumor cells, one of the main processes by which hormonal contraceptives could help meningioma growth is Synthetic hormones such as MPA can activate these receptors, which then encourage cell growth and so tumor size increases. Those who have taken progestin-based contraceptives for prolonged durations especially show this effect since continuous exposure to high synthetic hormone levels fosters a suitable environment for tumor formation. Apart from progesterone, estrogen might also be involved in the growth of meningiomas. Certain research has indicated that hormonal contraceptives including both estrogen and progestin can activate estrogen receptors on meningioma cells. Women who have known risk factors for meningioma should especially give great thought to their contraceptive choices since this dual activation of hormone receptors speeds up tumor growth.

Women who used progestin-based contraceptives for more than five years were at a notably increased risk of having meningiomas compared to those who did not use hormonal contraceptives, according to a 2017 study printed in the *Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*. The researchers concluded that synthetic progestins used long-term could function as a growth factor for hormone-sensitive cancers including meningiomas. This study added to the mounting body of research implying a clear connection between tumor development and hormonal contraceptives. These results however should be noted that not all users of hormonal contraceptives will get meningiomas and the risk is still really low for the general population. For women with a family history of meningiomas or other risk factors, however, the use of hormonal contraceptives could call for extra care. To reduce the possible hazards related to hormone exposure, healthcare professionals are recommending women in certain risk groups to investigate non-hormonal contraceptive alternatives including copper intrauterine devices (IUDs).

To better grasp the exact processes by which hormonal contraceptives affect meningioma growth and to pinpoint the subgroups of women most at risk, more study is underway. The evidence indicates, meanwhile, that women who have been diagnosed with meningiomas or who are very likely to get these tumors should refrain from using prolonged progestin-based contraceptives such as Depo-Provera.

Ultimately, hormonal contraceptives--especially those using synthetic progestins--are involved in the development of meningiomas. Although the general risk is still low, women with pre-existing risk factors should give great thought to their contraceptive choices and talk about the possible hazards with their doctors. Ongoing study in this field will assist in better understanding the link between hormonal contraceptives and tumor development, therefore guiding women's decisions on their health.

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We will represent all persons involved in a Depo Provera lawsuit on a contingency basis, meaning there are never any legal fees unless we win compensation in your case. Anyone who has been treated for a meningioma brain tumor and has a history of using Depo Provera for at least a year--or is a family member of such a person--is eligible to receive a free, no-obligation case review from our attorneys. Simply contact our firm through the online contact form or the chat feature and one of our Depo Provera meningioma lawyers will contact you promptly to discuss your case.