A teenage girl started taking a medication that many women take, and it reportedly killed her. Layla Khan, a 16-year-old from the United Kingdom, suffered from painful menstrual periods and desperately wanted relief. She began taking oral contraceptives that allegedly caused a blood clot that ultimately led to her death.
According to a GoFundMe account, Layla reportedly talked about her painful menstrual cramps with friends and learned about oral contraceptives in November. She apparently found relief after she decided to try one of the options and was pleased with the results. Sadly, her experience had a bitter end not long afterward.
@lydiarosehawken Teenager Layla Khan has died after being put on the contraceptive pill to deal with period pains. I was also prescribed it while I was in the process of being diagnosed with endometriosis in my late teens and I’m just do sick and tired of the pill being seen as this one-size-fits-all cure. It’s not. Maybe if women’s health hadn’t been so overlooked/ignored, we’d actually know a little more about the causes of chronic pain conditions. Words can’t describe how devastating this story is #laylakhan #uknewstoday #womenshealthmatters #contraceptivepill #endometriosisawareness #tragic #diagnosis #endowarrior #periodpain ♬ original sound – Lydia | Lifestyle Journalist
The 16-year-old had just started college in the fall (the equivalent of 11th or 12th grade in the US) and had many new friends, the GoFundMe page explains. But as her typical period woes continued, she discussed them with her friends, many of whom reportedly took oral contraceptives. In November, she decided to try the medication in the hope that it would end the agonizing pain she had suffered for so long.
“She started taking the pill on November 25th and was pleased that they had very quickly helped with an issue she has had to put up with for such a long time,” the post explained.
Although the period pain seemingly subsided, Layla allegedly began to experience migraine headaches on December 5. On December 8, the migraine was accompanied by vomiting, and she started to become concerned.
“The vomiting was so severe by Sunday that her family decided to get in touch with the 111 NHS helpline. The family was informed that there were no red flags and was advised to see the doctor in the morning,” the GoFundMe page reads. “First thing on Monday morning, Layla went in to see her GP, vomiting multiple times while there. After being checked over, she was told it was most likely the stomach flu and was given medication to help with the vomiting.”
As Layla’s mysterious illness continued to progress, the pain became excruciating. She reportedly screamed in agony, and her family tried to get help from emergency personnel but were not successful. They decided to take Layla to the hospital themselves. Before they left for the hospital, her symptoms reportedly became so severe she could no longer walk.
“They took her to A&E, and after a great deal of time, it was discovered that Layla had developed a blood clot in her brain. The blood clot caused significant swelling to Layla’s brain, and on Wednesday, December 13th, Layla was pronounced brain dead less than 48 hours after going to the hospital,” the GoFundMe page description reads.
Understandably, the family is grief-stricken over the loss of their eldest child. They started the GoFundMe account to help raise money for a proper funeral and to assist the family with expenses for Christmas. The fundraiser has surpassed its original goal and brought in donations of approximately $9,500 USD.
Donors offered support.
“Layla was a lovely girl xxx enjoyed getting to know her both through Molly and our community Netball. My thoughts are with her family and friends xx,” someone commented.
“We’re extremely sad to hear about Layla. Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Love to all x,” another person wrote.