Bengaluru doctor warns of risks after teen dies from period-delaying pills

Bengaluru: An 18-year-old girl in Bengaluru has died from complications linked to period-delaying pills, prompting fresh warnings from doctors about the risks of taking such medication without medical supervision.

Vascular surgeon Dr Vivekanand, speaking in a podcast, said the teenager developed severe leg pain and swelling after taking hormonal tablets to postpone her period for a ceremony. She was later diagnosed with blood clots in her veins, a condition that can turn fatal if the clot travels to the lungs or brain and blocks blood flow.

“Hormonal medicines that can delay or reschedule periods are widely available and often used before exams, weddings, travel or a big event. But while these pills may seem like a convenient option, they are not free from risk. Their unsupervised use can lead to serious complications, including blood clots in the vein or what we call deep vein thrombosis,” Dr Neelam Suri, senior consultant, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi said.

Most period-delaying pills contain synthetic hormones such as progesterone, or a combination of progesterone and oestrogen. These maintain hormone levels in the body to prevent the womb lining from shedding, thereby delaying menstruation. However, one side effect is an increased tendency for blood to clot.

While the risk is generally low in healthy women, it can be much higher for those with hidden conditions or certain lifestyle factors. Vulnerable groups include people with a family history of clotting disorders, obesity, sedentary habits, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver or heart disease, stroke, or hormonal conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Doctors say this is why medical history must be carefully reviewed, and sometimes tests carried out, before prescribing the tablets. Self-medication, however, is common in India, where such pills are often purchased directly from chemists.

Unlike common over-the-counter drugs, hormonal medicines affect multiple organ systems, including blood vessels, the liver and the body’s overall hormonal balance. Dosage and duration vary depending on the individual, and what is safe for one woman could be harmful to another, experts warn.

Doctors advise women taking these pills to watch for warning signs such as sudden swelling, pain or redness in the leg (possible vein clot), sharp chest pain or breathlessness (possible pulmonary embolism), or severe headache and dizziness (possible clot in the brain). Immediate medical attention is critical in such cases.

For women who frequently need to manage their cycles, gynaecologists may recommend regulated contraceptive pills, which allow more controlled cycle management. Lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, exercise and stress reduction, can also help improve menstrual regularity.