Teen developed a massive blood clot after taking hormonal tablets for a religious ceremony
New Delhi, August 21, 2025
Vascular surgeon Dr. Vivekanand discussed a tragic case in a recent edition of the Rebooting The Brain podcast, which brought to light the consequences of postponing medical treatment and the perils of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Recalling the incident, he spoke about an 18-year-old engineering student who visited his clinic with severe pain and swelling in her leg and thigh. Upon examination, she was diagnosed with an extensive blood clot reaching up to her abdomen, a condition linked to her use of hormonal pills to postpone menstruation for a religious ceremony. Despite the doctor’s urgent advice to admit her immediately for treatment, her father reportedly chose to wait until her mother could be present the next morning. Later that night, around 2 a.m., Dr. Vivekanand received a call that the girl had been rushed to the emergency ward in an unresponsive state and was declared dead.
Expressing his anguish, Dr. Vivekanand said he regretted not insisting more forcefully on her admission at that moment, as timely intervention might have saved her life. The case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of underestimating medical emergencies. DVT, a condition in which blood clots form in deep veins—most commonly in the legs—can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, as clots may travel to the lungs and cause fatal complications.
The story, shared in the August 14 podcast episode and highlighted on the show’s social media, underlines the importance of taking doctors’ advice seriously, especially in critical situations. The heartbreaking loss of a young life due to hesitation and delay is a powerful lesson that immediate medical attention can make the difference between survival and tragedy.
