‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ Puts Father And Son Duo In Their Place After They Call Out Menopausal Mom’s “Irrational Mood Swings”

Right from the get-go, Drew Barrymore made it clear that today’s episode of The Drew Barrymore Show would be completely dedicated to menopause. Joined by Gabrielle Union, the daytime talk show host wasted no time in introducing the day’s topic.

“It is something all women go through once they reach a certain age,” she began, “We’re here to talk about it. Actually, we’re here to live it and talk about it and get into it.”

Barrymore created an educational moment for herself, Union, and viewers by heading to class (AKA the set made to look like a classroom) for her segment “Take Care Everywhere” to talk Menopause 101 with OB/GYN and women’s health advocate, Dr. Kameelah Phillips.

(Editor’s Note: The Drew Barrymore Show is currently on hiatus. This article was originally published on Nov. 14, 2023 when this episode first aired. Drew will return with new episodes in January 2024.)

As part of the special episode, they began fielding questions from the audience, with Ross Matthews acting as the liaison between the women onstage a family of three: John, Dianne, and their teenage son, Luke.

“I was just wondering what advice you would have for Luke and I on how to deal with Dianne’s unpredictable and irrational mood swings, and how long should we expect this to last?” John asked, which prompted a shocked look from Union and laugh from Barrymore, but he wasn’t done there.

He added,”Because I recently retired and I’m thinking maybe I should go back to work,” drawing a playful smack on the arm from Matthews.

“And how do you feel about it?” Barrymore asked Dianne, who was sitting calmly next to her husband through his entire question.

“I mean, I feel fine. I know that my behavior is questionable at times and I blame everything on menopause, but I think I’m getting through it okay,” Dianne said, after which her son Luke was asked to chime in about how he feels.

“Well, it’s hard. I mean, I love her, but sometimes she just acts a little crazy. Like I’ll be trying to play video games with my friend Matt or we’re driving and she’s in the car, and just out of nowhere she’ll get mad at me. She’ll start yelling at me for some random thing. I’ll be like, ‘Mom, why are you getting mad at me?’ She’ll turn around to my friend to my friend Matt and be like, ‘Sorry Matt, it’s menopause,'” he said. “And then I’m like, ‘Mom, why are you talking to my best friend about menopause?'”

Dianne asked, “Is it okay to overshare a little bit?” much to Barrymore’s amused disbelief. She replied, “You’re asking me?”

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Dr. Phillips was a bit more direct in her response. She began, “I have suggestions for you guys. The first thing is, Dianne comes home from work, you need to go to your room.”

When the studio audience began laughing, Dr. Phillips made it clear she was being serious.

“Two, I think it’s really helpful, honestly to have like a codeword,” Dr. Phillips continued, even offering one up herself. “Swordfish. That means mom is having a moment, leave me alone, figure out what you’re gonna do with your life, dinner, whatever it is, and let her just have her time because she just needs to collect herself.”

Dr. Phillips then left the three with one last suggestion that really had the audience, host, and guest clapping.

“Now, I know you’re a loving family, but also offload some of her responsibilities… She comes home from a full day of work to another full-time job,” she said, then addressed Luke specifically: “You are 17, I’m sure at this point you can cook, you can clean, you can do laundry. Take these responsibilities away from her so that she can live her best life.”

Dr. Phillips then told Dianne, “And then see a doctor for both medical, hormonal, nonhormonal options so that you guys can remain loving and bonded together.”

Mathews then led the entire room in a cheer of “Swordfish!” which John and Luke will hopefully take to heart from today onwards. Looks like Barrymore’s classroom really was an educational place after all!

The Drew Barrymore Show airs on weekdays on CBS. You can check the website for local airtimes.