Screenshot from “Menopause Stories’ by Bronwyn Parker-Rhodes
An “Op-Doc” from The New York Times called “Menopause Stories” is a much-needed, candid discussion of what happens at the onset of and throughout menopause. It’s a first person account of five women in varying stages of “the change.” One was just 34 and about to get married when she discovered she was entering menopause. Another was on the other side of it and finally free of symptoms.
Each woman had a different experience, but what they all had in common is that they were 100% unprepared for the overwhelming life changes menopause would bring. For example, one thought her heater was broken when she began having hot flashes.
Widely-shared tories about menopause, however, are so rare that the piece generated more than 600 comments from women who are grateful for the short documentary and want more. The comments might actually be the best part of the whole thing. Some are funny, some are sad, some are sexy, others are grateful and I couldn’t stop reading them.
Here’s hoping that mainstream publishers, medical professionals, drug companies, and entrepreneurs get the hint. After all, a recent report that menopause is a $600 billion opportunity waiting for investment.
While we wait, enjoy some of our favorites of the 600+ comments.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”fff00″ class=”” size=””]“I have never commented on an article of any kind before. All I want to say to the filmmaker and to the women in this film is thank you. So many women do not understand this most basic bodily function that will happen to them. Everyone wants to share their life experiences of childbirth. But no on wants to talk about the “change”. We must talk about it to each other.” —Carrie in Washington, D.C.[/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”Menopausal women aren’t to be underestimated as a talent pool for master assassins. We could get in and out without a trace because no one sees us anyway.” — Carol in Minneapolis[/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“If this happened to men they would get 4 years off to “re-balance”, moisturizer would be free, and so would the GYN.” RogueOne in Philadephia[/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“This piece helped me to realize that I blame myself for much of what is naturally happening to me…why can’t I focus? Why can’t I get more done? Why am I so damn tired today? Why can’t I pull it together and be productive like I was in my 20’s?” —Mliss in Texas[/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“My mother claimed she never suffered through menopause, but the rest of the family did.” — Moonstone in Texas[/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“This was incredibly reassuring to me in my beginning stages of perimenopause (<–Seriously, spell check doesn’t even recognize this word – how’s that for a topic no one will discuss!).” —Megan in Spokane[/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “I also lost all libido for a couple years. But, big surprise, when I came out on the other side, I became a hot mama; best sex of my life was after 55!” —Zgirl in MA [/perfectpullquote] [perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“The fact that women are expected to experience what is a natural but often monumentally torturous experience in silence, and in shame, is evidence of our second class status in this country.” —Maggie, Seattle[/perfectpullquote]