Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Routine Medicine Nearly Kills 26-Year-Old Woman
Emily Butler, a 26-year-old woman from London, started taking progesterone pills to regulate her irregular periods.
Just three days later, she experienced severe stomach pain, nausea, and body aches.
Doctors initially thought she had a ruptured ovarian cyst, but further tests revealed she had a rare genetic disorder called acute intermittent porphyria.
This condition affects how the body produces heme, which is important for carrying oxygen in the blood.
The progesterone pills triggered this disorder, causing her sodium levels to drop dangerously low.
She was treated with artificial heme arginate and spent two weeks in the ICU.
After recovering, Emily made lifestyle changes, such as giving up alcohol and smoking, and switching to a high-carbohydrate diet.
Her case is being documented to help doctors recognize similar cases in the future.
Emily Butler, 26, experienced severe stomach pain after taking prescribed progesterone pills.
Doctors initially suspected a ruptured ovarian cyst but later diagnosed her with acute intermittent porphyria.
The condition caused her sodium levels to drop dangerously low, requiring ICU care.
Treatment with artificial heme arginate stabilized her condition, and she was discharged after two weeks.
Emily has made significant lifestyle changes to manage her condition and raise awareness.
- Who
- Emily Butler, a 26-year-old woman from London
- What
- Developed acute intermittent porphyria due to prescribed progesterone pills
- When
- August 2025
- Where
- London, United Kingdom
- Why
- Progesterone pills triggered a rare genetic disorder
- Patient Name
- Emily Butler
- Age
- 26
- Location
- London, United Kingdom
- Medication
- Progesterone pills
- Condition Triggered
- Acute intermittent porphyria
- Treatment
- Artificial heme arginate
- Hospitalization Duration
- Two weeks in ICU
- Date of Discharge
- August 29, 2025