[Note: Part 2 of a 3-part series. Part 1 was yesterday. Part 3 is 8/27/10. Part 4 is 9/17/10.]
When I was growing up, my Mom would weird out—act nutty, mean, scary, etc. We kids would say she was “zonked.” We could always tell when she was zonked because her facial muscles would droop and her face took on a zombie look.
Sometimes we would criticize my Mom on her annoying/creepy behavior. She would more often than not say (while wagging her finger), “WELL! You’ve never been through the change!” She used this excuse for years—from junior high through high school, college, and beyond.
I now “get” the annoyance of “the change.” But as far as my Mom goes, let’s not forget the booze and pills. Even though I “get” the gross feeling that menopause can produce, I’m not feeling the sympathy. As no matter how foggy my brain gets or how I’m lacking the feeling of well being, I never feel like cutting up anyone’s clothes.
And speaking of pills, there was a scene in Menopause the Musical that gave me pause.
It was when the four women were in one of Bloomie’s departments outside the ladies lounge and the Iowa housewife character said it was time for her pills. The other three women gasped and swooped in next to her to see what she was taking. She held up a bottle and said, “Prozac. The other three women replied (one at a time): “Zoloft!” “Paxil!” “Dong Quai!”
I don’t know what the answer is for menopause sufferers (or I’d be doing it!), but I don’t think it’s mind-altering drugs. I’m anti-pharmaceutical in general (but that’s another blog). I don’t think women should be medicated to fit into society. I think they should be dealt with—composed or not, drippy or dry, fanning themselves in public (OMG!), or spacing out. After all, that’s Mother Nature at work!
BTW, Dong Quai is a Chinese root, sometimes referred to as the “female ginseng” as it mimics estrogen. Supposedly it helps ease menopause and PMS symptoms. It doesn’t work for me. Likewise for the Mother Earth character in the musical as she says she “mainlined Dong Quai” and got no relief.
During a menopausal meltdown, it doesn't matter what you look like. Because this is what you feel like!
Another thought I had about the musical was the reference to weight gain that women experience during menopause mania. The typical area for weight accumulation during middle age (45-55) is around the abdomen. The musical only talked about the hips and thighs.
My body on menopause--and I don't even eat donuts!
The spare tire syndrome is actually more prevalent. Just thought I’d throw that in. (And if you like proof, I’ll show you my Frankie!)
My last comment about the musical is praise for keeping the subject matter REAL.
Menopause was presented in all its icky glory: here are the symptoms and they’re not pretty. The only solution I could discern that was offered was ACCEPTANCE. Go with it. Laugh at it. Work around it. Accept it.
I think that is the mature response. But I am fighting this malady with every molecule of my being. The last thing I want to end up as is dopey and dumpy. And I’m tired of sticking my head in the freezer. So if I figure out how to conquer this crucible, I’ll be sure and let you know!
