Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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Question: Is Depo Provera use linked to brain tumors?
Answer: A major national case control study have raised serious concerns about the link between long-term Depo Provera use and increased risk of brain tumors, particularly meningiomas.
This research has prompted legal action and heightened scrutiny of the medication’s safety profile for women who have used it for extended periods.
Depo Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate injection) is a long-acting birth control injection administered every three months that has served as a contraceptive option for women since its FDA approval in 1992, alongside other hormonal contraceptives.
This synthetic hormone medication has become widely prescribed, with approximately 25% of women who have had sexual intercourse having used it at some point.
On this page, we’ll provide an overview of the Depo Provera lawsuit, recognizing brain tumor symptoms and warning signs, your legal rights after long-term Depo Provera use, and much more.
Depo Provera contains 150mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin administered via intramuscular injection that works by inhibiting the secretion of gonadotropins, which prevents follicular maturation and ovulation while also thickening cervical mucus.
The injection is administered intramuscularly every 12 weeks, creating hormone levels that remain stable throughout the cycle.
As a synthetic pregnane steroid and derivative of progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate activates the progesterone receptor, which is the biological target of natural progesterone.
The medication works through multiple mechanisms:
The body senses the presence of synthetic hormone, causing natural hormone production to be switched off, which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs.
While primarily used for contraception, Depo Provera has several FDA-approved medical applications including the treatment of menstrual cycle disorders:
At higher doses, the medication can also be used to treat certain types of cancer and paraphilia.
Healthcare providers may prescribe it for various menstrual disorders, with the injectable form specifically designed for contraceptive purposes being different from oral birth control pills.
The medication has also been studied alongside other high dose progestogens for various gynecological conditions.
The typical duration of use varies among patients, with studies showing that 61% of women use Depo Provera for one year or less, though some continue treatment for extended periods requiring at least two injections.
Depo Provera serves a diverse patient population across various healthcare settings, often as an alternative to intrauterine devices or other contraceptive methods.
Research shows that among users, 67% are employed, while 29% are healthcare cardholders, including unemployed individuals and supporting mothers.
Key demographics of typical users include:
Studies have identified disparities in usage patterns, with African American and American Indian women showing higher rates of Depo Provera use compared to European American women, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors.
The injection is administered in various healthcare settings, from family planning clinics to primary care offices, making it accessible to women across different geographic locations and healthcare systems.
Recent scientific studies including a major national case control study have raised serious concerns about the link between long-term Depo Provera use and increased risk of brain tumors, particularly meningiomas.
This research has prompted legal action and heightened scrutiny of the medication’s safety profile for women who have used it for extended periods.
The most important findings came from a March 2024 study published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal), which examined 18,061 women who underwent surgery for intracranial meningiomas between 2009 and 2018, matched with 90,305 controls.
This research found that women who used Depo-Provera for over a year were more than 5 times more likely to develop meningioma brain tumors compared to the general population.
A September 2024 cohort study published in the journal Cancers further reinforced these findings, analyzing over 117,000 meningioma cases and more than one million matched controls using data spanning 2006–2022.
This large-scale case-control study found that injection exposure to medroxyprogesterone acetate was associated with a 53% increase in the risk of developing meningiomas, with the risk becoming stronger with prolonged use.
The research methodology included:
Meningiomas express more progestin receptors than estrogen receptors, with 88% versus 40% in immunohistochemical analysis, meaning progestin use can directly influence meningioma development, similar to how three potent progestogens including cyproterone acetate, nomegestrol acetate, and chlormadinone acetate have been studied.
The biological mechanisms leading to tumor growth include, but are not limited to:
Progestin-associated meningiomas show higher levels of progesterone receptor expression and are more frequently located at the skull base than other meningiomas.
Risks were highest among women who had used the injectable form for extended periods, underscoring existing medical guidelines advising against prolonged use unless alternative options are unsuitable.
Several factors compound the risk of meningiomas:
Researchers noted that approximately 74 million women globally use injectable medroxyprogesterone acetate, meaning “the number of attributable meningiomas may be potentially high” due to this extensive usage, prompting pharmaceutical companies to review safety data.
While meningiomas represent the most common brain tumors linked to Depo Provera use, research indicates that prolonged exposure to synthetic progestin may contribute to various types of intracranial tumors.
Each type presents unique challenges and requires specific medical attention, though most are benign tumors.
Meningiomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor, accounting for 37.6% of all primary central nervous system tumors and originating from arachnoid cap cells within the protective layers surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
These tumors form in the protective layers of tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and while usually slow-growing and often noncancerous, benign brain tumor types, they can cause important health issues depending on their size and location.
Meningiomas are classified using the World Health Organization (WHO) grading system:
Research indicates that a progestogen tied to Depo-Provera has been linked to an increased risk of developing brain tumors including both glioblastoma and meningioma, with synthetic hormones potentially affecting cell growth and proliferation in various brain tissues.
Current research areas include:
Meningiomas are found near the top and outer curve of the brain, or at the base of the skull pushing on the brain tissue, with location determining both symptoms and potential treatment approaches.
Many small meningiomas are found incidentally and are entirely asymptomatic, but larger tumors may impinge on vital nerves or compress the brain, causing disability and potentially becoming life-threatening.
Size considerations include:
Brain tumor symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for other conditions, making early detection challenging.
Women who have used Depo Provera for extended periods should be aware of these warning signs and seek medical evaluation if they experience persistent symptoms.
Because meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumors, they may not cause noticeable symptoms until they grow large enough to push on important structures around them.
The most commonly reported early meningioma symptoms include headaches, fatigue, vision trouble, and cognitive impairment, with these symptoms taking years to appear since tumors grow slowly.
A healthcare professional should assess symptoms that gradually worsen over time, as progressive symptoms are particularly concerning for brain tumor development.
Many tumors are slow growing, so without a sudden onset of symptoms, meningioma isn’t often the first consideration when symptoms do start to appear.
Women with a history of Depo Provera use should specifically request brain imaging evaluation.
It is important to consult with a medical provider if you or someone you know is having any of these symptoms, particularly if they are persistent and worsening, as detecting and diagnosing early can greatly enhance the effectiveness of treatment.
Women who developed brain tumors after using Depo Provera for more than one year may have legal options for seeking compensation.
Product liability laws protect consumers when medications cause serious health complications that weren’t adequately warned about.
Depo-Provera cases are primarily product liability lawsuits against Pfizer based on the company’s failure to warn about meningioma risks, with the legal case built on Pfizer’s inadequate disclosure of serious side effects.
These lawsuits aim to hold Pfizer accountable for their negligence and seek compensation for women who developed meningiomas after using Depo-Provera, alleging the company knew or should have known for decades about the increased risk but failed to warn users.
Women are seeking financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, with the amount varying based on several factors including the severity of the condition, impact on quality of life, and strength of evidence linking meningioma to Depo-Provera use.
The statute of limitations for Depo-Provera lawsuits typically ranges from two to three years from diagnosis, though some states may have deadlines as short as one year or as long as six years for product liability cases.
If you or a loved one used Depo Provera for extended periods and developed a brain tumor, consulting with an attorney experienced in pharmaceutical product liability cases can help you understand your legal options and ensure you meet all necessary deadlines to protect your rights.
If you’ve used Depo Provera for over a year and have concerns about brain tumor risk or have received a diagnosis, taking organized steps can protect both your health and legal rights.
Documentation and timely action are key to building a strong case while managing your medical care.
Providing evidence of Depo Provera use is central to litigation, with plaintiffs required to complete a “Plaintiff Proof of Use/Injury Questionnaire” and gather medical records, pharmacy receipts, or prescription history showing they received the injection at least two injections.
A patient diagnosed with meningioma should be evaluated by a multidisciplinary team that includes neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuro-oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists with advanced training and extensive experience in brain tumors.
It’s important to act quickly as there are statutes of limitations in each state that set deadlines for filing certain types of lawsuits, with some being as short as one year after diagnosis.
If you or a loved one used Depo Provera for extended periods and developed a brain tumor, contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Depo Provera lawsuit today.
Our Depo Provera attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a Depo Provera lawsuit.
With extensive experience in dangerous drugs cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders and medical experts to prove how Depo Provera injections caused you harm.
TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, bone density treatment costs, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from your Depo Provera injuries.
We know the physical and emotional toll that Depo Provera complications have on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.
Meet our lead Depo Provera attorney:
At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.
That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one experienced health complications after receiving Depo Provera injections, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Depo Provera lawsuit today.
Depo Provera lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who suffered serious bone density loss and other health complications after receiving the contraceptive injection.
TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the Depo Provera lawsuit.
A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your Depo Provera lawsuit include:
If you or a loved one suffered bone density loss, fractures, or other health problems after receiving Depo Provera injections, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the Depo Provera lawsuit today.
Studies show increased risk after 12 months of use, with risk continuing to rise with longer duration.
The March 2024 BMJ (British Medical Journal) study found that women who used Depo-Provera for over a year were more than 5 times more likely to develop meningioma brain tumors.
Even past users may still be at risk, as the synthetic hormones can have lasting effects on brain tissue.
Research indicates that approximately 75% of women who used Depo-Provera for more than a year had taken the medication for over 3 years, suggesting that longer exposure creates substantially higher risk levels compared to the general population.
Currently, Depo-Provera cases are being handled as individual lawsuits within a multidistrict litigation (MDL) rather than a traditional class action.
This approach offers several benefits over class action representation, as it allows for individual case evaluation based on your specific circumstances, duration of use, and severity of injuries.
The MDL system enables cases to be handled more efficiently while still providing personalized attention to each plaintiff’s unique situation.
As of 2025, cases have been consolidated under MDL 3140 in Florida federal courts, with the litigation growing from 130 to 289 active cases as more women learn about the connection between Depo-Provera and brain tumors.
The risk of developing meningiomas persists even after discontinuing Depo-Provera use.
This persistent risk occurs because the synthetic hormones can have long-lasting effects on hormone-sensitive tissues in the brain.
It’s important to continue monitoring for symptoms even years after your last injection, as meningiomas are typically slow-growing tumors that may take time to become symptomatic.
Women who used Depo-Provera in the past should inform their healthcare providers about this history and request appropriate screening if they experience any neurological symptoms.
Legal rights for past users remain viable, especially given the discovery rule that may extend filing deadlines based on when you learned about the connection between your condition and prior Depo-Provera use.
Most attorneys handling Depo-Provera brain tumor cases work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs for clients.
Under this arrangement, you pay no attorney fees unless your case results in a successful settlement or verdict.
The attorney’s fee is typically taken as a percentage of any recovery obtained.
This system ensures that legal representation is accessible regardless of your financial situation.
Additionally, most law firms offer free initial consultations to evaluate your case and determine if you have grounds for legal action.
TruLaw partners with litigation leaders to provide clients with the legal resources and support necessary for a successful outcome, handling all costs associated with building and presenting your case.
If you or a loved one experienced brain tumor development after using Depo Provera for more than one year, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a Depo Provera lawsuit today.
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
At TruLaw, we fiercely combat corporations that endanger individuals’ well-being. If you’ve suffered injuries and believe these well-funded entities should be held accountable, we’re here for you.
With TruLaw, you gain access to successful and seasoned lawyers who maximize your chances of success. Our lawyers invest in you—they do not receive a dime until your lawsuit reaches a successful resolution!
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Depo Provera Lawsuit claims are being filed by individuals who allege they developed meningioma (a type of brain tumor) after receiving Depo-Provera birth control injections.
A 2024 study found that women using Depo-Provera for at least 1 year are five times more likely to develop meningioma brain tumors compared to those not using the drug.
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Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?