The association between prescribed hormonal contraception and multiple sclerosis risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis

TL;DR

This study reviews and analyzes the link between hormonal contraception use and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis, finding no clear evidence of a significant association.

Contribution

The study provides a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing research on hormonal contraception and MS risk.

Findings

Meta-analysis of unadjusted odds ratios showed a significantly increased MS risk with HC use.

Meta-analysis of adjusted odds ratios and sensitivity analyses found no significant association.

High heterogeneity and low-quality studies suggest the need for further well-designed research.

Abstract

Sex hormones can influence susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS). Around 400 million women worldwide use hormonal contraceptives (HC), which contain synthetic versions of female sex hormones. Evidence on HC use and MS risk is inconclusive. The aim of this study was to synthesise studies on the association between prescribed HC and the risk of MS.

Medline, Embase, Cochrane library and grey literature were systematically searched on 7th November 2024. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data and appraised each study’s quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool. Pre-determined criteria were used to differentiate between high- and low-quality studies. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for studies providing the same effect measure; heterogeneity was assessed. Sensitivity analyses included only high-quality studies.

Eleven studies were included, six of these were cohort and five were case-control. Three studies were deemed high-quality. Five of the studies found no significant association between HC use and MS risk, four found a decreased risk, and two found an increased risk. Meta-analysis of the unadjusted odds ratio (OR) showed a significantly increased risk of MS with HC use of 1.28 (95% CI 1.08–1.52). However meta-analysis of adjusted ORs and sensitivity analyses showed no significant association. Heterogeneity was high.

No statistically significant association between HC use and MS risk was observed. The meta-analyses indicate a possible increased risk warranting further investigation. Given that heterogeneity was high and only three of the included studies were classed as high-quality, a well-designed study is needed to clarify this association.

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