18-year-old student passes away from blood clot after taking period-delaying pills: Why this practice is so dangerous

Earlier this month, an Indian vascular surgeon Dr. Vivekanand shared the story of an 18-year-old student who died from a blood clot after taking period-delaying pills for a religious ceremony. He added that the girl took hormonal pills for 3 days, but started feeling swelling in her thighs and legs. Turns out, she was suffering from Deep vein thrombosis, which is a dangerous blood clot. A few hours later, the girl collapsed and passed away. However, what really happened? Let's take a look...Period delaying pills: Dangerous trendMany women use period delaying pills which contain hormones to postpone their menstrual cycles for convenient situations, or special events. However, these pills present severe risks, which include blood clot development, that can be fatal, as it was with this girl. The use of period delay pills requires knowledge about their operating mechanism, together with their associated health hazards.How do they workThe hormone-based medication norethisterone is a key element of period delaying pills, and works by blocking the natural drop in hormone concentrations that triggers menstruation. The pills sustain hormone production which stops uterine lining shedding, thus extending the menstrual cycle until users stop taking them. People use these medications temporarily before important occasions such as travel, examinations, special events, or religious ceremonies. However, these pills affect both hormonal balances and blood chemistry.The hormones present in delay pills, especially progestogens such as norethisterone, increase the formation of blood clots. Here's how...The liver produces additional blood-clotting factors when progestogens like norethisterone affect blood coagulation. These hormones trigger blood clotting, while simultaneously decreasing the body's natural blood-thinning proteins. The resulting blood imbalance creates thicker blood that easily develops clots in veins which leads to venous thromboembolism (VTE). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism, represent the most dangerous locations for blood clots to develop, because they can result in fatal consequences.Serious consequencesSigns that indicate dangerous blood clots in the body include swelling, pain or tenderness in the calf area, along with warmth, redness in the affected zone, breathing difficulties, chest discomfort and rapid heart rate.Which group is most at riskShort-term use of period delay pills poses a low risk of blood clots to most women, yet certain individuals should completely avoid them. The following group of women should stay away from these medications:A personal or family history of blood clotsObesitySmoking habits, especially women over 35Certain inherited clotting disordersProlonged immobility (such as long flights or bed rest)Other health issues like high blood pressure or migrainesDoctors evaluate all relevant factors before writing prescriptions for period delay pills, to reduce potential adverse effects. Self-treating without consulting a doctor creates an extremely dangerous situation.Alternatives to period Delay PillsUsing period delay pills requires medical guidance to minimise their risks. Doctors provide the following guidelines:Proper hydration and regular movement, especially on long journeys, to avoid blood pooling.Pills should not be taken by women who have experienced clotting problems , or possess other risk factors.Women should track their body for clot symptoms both during and after taking the medication.Patients must immediately stop their medication while seeking medical assistance, for any concerning symptoms that develop.References:The Conversation - Period delay tablets can help you temporarily skip your period, 2022TravelPharm - Norethisterone 5mg Tablets | Period DelayFree Press Journal - 18-Year-Old Dies Of Deep Vein Thrombosis After Taking Pill To Delay Periods, 2025Day Lewis Pharmacy - Is it safe to take period delay tablets?, 2025Cleveland Clinic - Does Birth Control Cause Blood Clots?, 2025LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor - Period Delay FAQs, 2025Rebooting The Brain Podcast by Dr Vivekanand - Case study on DVT and period delay pills, 2025--Disclaimer: This article is informational only and not a substitute for medical advice