A mother faced vision problems while applying makeup and later discovered she had lost vision in one eye due to a tumor possibly linked to her contraceptive use. Shelley Whittaker, a 47-year-old health service worker, initially dismissed the blurry vision in her left eye as a makeup issue in November 2024. However, after consulting an optician in January 2025 and undergoing various tests and MRIs, she was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor called Spheno-orbital meningioma in May 2025.
Following surgery in September 2025 to remove most of the benign tumor, Shelley had to take a six-month break from work to recover. It was then revealed that her long-term use of medroxyprogesterone contraceptive injections, taken for 15 years, might have contributed to the tumor. The NHS advises that extended use of these injections could elevate the risk of meningioma, although such cases are infrequent.
Shelley shared photos displaying her bruised and bulging left eye post-surgery, highlighting the impact of the 10-hour operation. Despite having to live with the remaining tumor, she expressed regret over not being informed of the associated risks earlier. Now, Shelley aims to raise awareness and caution others against using these injections, emphasizing the importance of understanding potential side effects.
Having returned to work after her recovery period, Shelley advocates for informed decision-making regarding contraceptive methods to prevent similar incidents. She encourages individuals to prioritize their health and seek medical advice if they encounter any concerning symptoms. Pfizer and the MHRA stress the importance of patient safety and continuous monitoring of medication effects, reassuring users to consult healthcare professionals if they have any worries or experience adverse reactions.