A 45-year-old woman from Cheshire has expressed her deep regret over relying on birth control injections for over two decades after being diagnosed with four benign brain tumours, known as meningiomas. Kerry Sharples underwent a routine medical examination in 2025 when she mentioned experiencing unusual pulsing in her right ear, leading to further scans and tests that ultimately revealed the shocking diagnosis.
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The complications began when Sharples, a mother of two, was found to have four meningiomas, with the largest tumour measuring approximately 1.4 inches and situated behind her right eye. Following the diagnosis, her doctor recommended that she discontinue her hormonal contraceptive injections, which she had used for 21 years to manage her menstrual cycle and avoid monthly periods.
Reflecting on her decision, Sharples lamented, “I regret taking these injections. It may seem trivial now, but I simply wanted to avoid periods, and now I find myself dealing with four brain tumours. I would choose the inconveniences of monthly menstruation over this any day.” The weight of her situation has clearly altered her perspectives on both healthcare and personal choices.
Sharples indicated that her physician made her aware of emerging evidence suggesting a potential link between long-term use of hormonal contraceptives and a heightened risk of developing such tumours. “Had I known about any possible connection, however minimal, I would have reassessed my health choices,” she noted, adding that she had never encountered significant side effects that might have prompted her to reconsider.
Acknowledging her previous naivety, Sharples stated, “I realise now that I should have done more research. When you’re receiving treatment from a medical professional, it’s easy to presume that everything is safe.” She refrained from disclosing the specific type of birth control injection she utilised, but her message is clear: an absence of overt side effects does not equate to an absence of risks.
The diagnosis left Sharples in a state of disbelief, describing her reaction as one of “complete shock.” Although she maintains a resilient attitude, she admits that the gravity of her condition occasionally overwhelms her. “I’ve always been one to push through and carry on, but there are moments when the reality of it all hits hard,” she explained.
In reflecting on her diagnosis, Sharples expressed her concerns about the potential severity of her tumours. She fears that had her doctor not recommended the tests, the consequences could have been far worse, potentially even resulting in blindness or death. “Now that I’ve stopped the hormonal injections, I can only hope the tumours shrink or at least remain stable,” she expressed with a mixture of anxiety and hopeful determination.
Through sharing her journey, Sharples aims to raise awareness among women regarding the risks associated with synthetic progesterone-based contraceptives. “I don’t want to frighten anyone, but it’s crucial for women to be informed about the potential implications of these injections,” she remarked. “It’s vital to think critically and explore alternative contraceptive options available.”
Despite the low clinical risk of developing meningiomas associated with these contraceptive injections, as indicated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Sharples insists that public knowledge about potential health risks should be prioritised. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of informed health decisions and the necessity of ongoing dialogue between patients and healthcare providers.
As Sharples continues on her journey to recover and process her diagnosis, she hopes that her experience may encourage others to take a proactive stance regarding their health choices. “Being well-informed is key,” she concluded, urging women to consider all available alternatives before making long-term decisions about their reproductive health.