Hormonal contraception not associated with prevalence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Hormonal contraception, including birth control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs), is not associated with an increased prevalence of a brain pressure disorder called idiopathic intracranial hypertension, according to a meta-analysis published on March 25, 2026, in Neurology^®, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension occurs when there is increased pressure in the fluid surrounding the brain with no apparent cause. It may cause chronic, disabling headaches, vision problems, and in rare cases, permanent vision loss. Obesity is a risk factor for the condition. It primarily affects female individuals, with a majority being diagnosed during their reproductive years. 

Health advice for people living with idiopathic intracranial hypertension is inconsistent due to a concern that hormonal contraception, including birth control pills and IUDs, may be associated with a higher risk of the condition in certain individuals. However, our meta-analysis found no association between hormonal contraception and idiopathic intracranial hypertension prevalence."

Arun N. E. Sundaram, MD, FRCPC, study author, University of Toronto, Canada

For the meta-analysis, researchers reviewed 13 studies that together included 5,351 female participants with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and 669,260 female participants without the condition. The average age was 33.

The studies covered the use of birth control pills, IUDs, contraceptive vaginal rings, contraceptive injections like medroxyprogesterone, birth control implants placed under the skin and contraceptive patches.

Researchers found no association between hormonal contraception and the prevalence of idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

"Our findings can provide reassurance that using hormonal contraception may not be linked to this condition," said Sundaram. "However, it is important to note that the evidence is limited and large, well-designed studies are needed, particularly in diverse patient groups, to confirm these results."

A limitation of the meta-analysis was the small number of studies that were determined to be appropriate to be included. Also, some studies had smaller numbers of participants, which may make it harder to detect subtle differences.