Uncovering the Real Struggles of Menopause: A Clinical Case Study on Understanding and Managing Symptoms

This case study delves into the life and experience of Surekha and her struggles with Menopause.

Like most Indian women, she was so immersed in her responsibilities. Surekha did not listen to the biological clock ticking within her. Surekha often came to my clinic with her sisters, neighbours or relatives with different health issues.

Whenever I asked her about her age she said 39 and this went on for about a decade. I knew she was lying but with a sly smile, I obliged to her answer. I never pried in her personal life. 

The biological clock

But one day, she walked in with her husband, a 48-year-old man, who was suffering from sleep issues. That day I met the other side of this vivacious lady. She revealed that she did her B.Sc and trained as a nurse. But she works as a first division clerk with the state government. 

The eldest among the seven siblings Surekha got the burden of reponsibilities at an early age. Her parents died when she was in 12^th and the kin was then raised by an uncle. But as fate would have it, her last support, her uncle too died when she was in B.Sc finals.

With so many mouths to feed and so many bills to foot, she had no other option. With many odd jobs and overtime duty, she supported her sibling’s education and financed their marriage. 

Also Read: Foods to eat for menopause: Healthy Eating Guidelines

Late Marraige and Menopause

After everyone walked their own paths she was left alone. Surekha met her husband and got married without a second thought. She was ready to embrace the other phase of her life. But little did she realize the time that passed and the chance she missed!

From last three months, she did not get her periods. She did a pregnancy test but it was negative. Her periods were always regular. But it’s since the past few months she got restlessness, sleeplessness and hot flashes.

She also complained of excessive sweating in the night even though its rainy season and the temperature is simply pleasant. I asked her if she has done any tests.

She replied that she had been to one doctor and there she has done some blood tests. I checked the reports it was beta HCG, negative for pregnancy. I had no choice but to ask her about her real age because I could hear the bells of her menopause. 

Also Read: 10 simple ways to make menopause easy

Discussing menopause

She smiled and said she was 48. I asked her to take FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) and ESTRADIOL (estrogen) tests. As both were low because of her “biological clock” ticking at the edge.

Her TSH(Thyroid-stimulating hormone) was normal which again indicated that her symptoms were not that of an underactive thyroid but that of menopause. 

But how do I break this devastating news to this woman who made me smile for more than a decade?

Taking away the light of her hopeful eyes and gifting the pain of barrenness was very difficult for me. So, I  referred her to a renowned gynaecologist. I wrote a detailed letter to the doctor explaining her case and asking her to do the needful.

I pronounced the harsh words and hell broke upon her.

The thoughts of menopause, of not being able to embrace motherhood, barrenness, an incomplete family haunted her day in and out. Her family was drowning in her tears and disappointment.

Days passed but not her pain!

After a few days, she came back to my clinic, resilient but positive. She asked me what’s next for her? Is there a way to motherhood? I consoled that it’s not the nine months in the womb that makes one a mother. But its the lifetime of unconditional love and support that makes one a true mother.

Also Read: Mood swings with Menopause

Finding happiness

I urged her to register in CARA (Central Adoption Registration Authority). And after two years a tiny little heart filled her life. She got her child. The child’s entire family died in an accident and God saved the little one to fill her world.