MENSTRUATION.
=Occurs Monthly.=--Once every twenty-eight days very remarkable changes
occur in the uterus, giving rise to that peculiar monthly periodicity
called menstruation, monthly sickness, monthlies, or being unwell.
Although this usually occurs once in about four weeks, yet it may be a
week less or a week longer; or, indeed, the variation may be even
greater than this.
=Symptoms of its Approach.=--As a perfectly natural menstrual period
approaches, there is a certain degree of discomfort and lassitude, a
sense of weight in the lower part of the body, and more or less
disinclination to enter society. These symptoms may be slightly
pronounced or very prominent, for it is quite unusual to find a person
who does not have at least some general discomfort at this time.
=Its Appearance.=--First there is a slight discharge of mucus which soon
becomes of a rusty brown or yellow color from the mixture of a small
quantity of blood. By the second or third day the discharge has the
appearance of pure blood. The unpleasant sensations which were so marked
at first now gradually subside, and the discharge, after continuing for
a certain number of days, grows more and more scanty. The color changes
from a pure red to a rusty tinge, and finally disappears altogether.
Then the ordinary duties are resumed.
=The Age of Puberty.=--Menstruation begins at about fourteen or fifteen
years of age, this period being known as "the age of puberty." It is
preceded and attended by peculiar signs. The whole figure becomes more
plump and round, the hips increase in breadth, and the breasts rapidly
develop. The more striking changes, however, occur in the inclinations
and emotional susceptibilities.
=Age Modified.=--A great many circumstances modify the age at which the
first menstruation takes place. In hot climates this takes place
earlier, the difference between hot and cold countries being as great as
three years; yet heredity has more to do with this than anything else.
"As was the mother so is the child" is a common saying among women.
=Continues About Thirty Years.=--The menstrual function continues active
from this age until about the forty-fifth year, although this may be
extended even ten years later. During all these years the woman is
capable of bearing children, because at each month there has been a
fully developed ovum, or egg, ready to be fertilized.
=The Change of Life.=--When the menstrual function ceases, then the period
of childbearing is over. The time of its disappearance is known as "the
change of life, or menopause."
=Amount of Monthly Loss.=--The amount of blood lost during menstruation
varies greatly with different individuals, and it would be quite
impossible to give anything like an accurate rule. It varies, normally,
from one to eight ounces, the average being probably about five ounces.
=Duration of Period.=--The duration of the period is from one to eight
days, the average being five days. Hence it will be seen that the
average loss of fluid per day would be about one ounce.
=Loss Should Be Small.=--It should be stated here that, as a rule, those
enjoy the best health who lose but a small quantity of blood at this
time. Some persons seem to think that a very free discharge is
necessary, and that they feel better at such times; but there is no
possible reason why this should be the case.
=The First Menstruation.=--The appearance of the first menstruation is a
most critical time in the life of every young girl, and the mother
should be prepared to give her daughter the best of advice. Some slight
inattention, some undue exposure, some thoughtlessness due entirely to
ignorance on these great subjects, may change the whole future from a
life of comfort and good health to prolonged days of misery and intense
suffering.
=Menstruation and Childbearing.=--It is the belief at the present time,
among all who have studied this subject, that menstruation is closely
connected with the function of childbearing. The changes which take
place each month within the uterine cavity are of precisely the proper
character to prepare this tissue for the reception of the fertilized
egg.
=Rules to be Observed.=--A few rules should be carefully followed during
each menstruation, in order that future trouble may be prevented. First
of all, it is necessary to avoid taking cold; yet a person should not
stay in the house by the side of a fire, or in a warm room all the time,
for this would increase the susceptibility to cold.
Care should be taken to avoid undue exposure, for nothing will disturb
the menstrual process quicker than the sudden chilling of the body,
especially when moist with perspiration.
Intense mental excitement should be avoided, also. If the young girl is
at school, she should be told to study more lightly at this time; while
any great excitement of any kind, as giving way to anger, or extreme
merriment, should be avoided.
The feeling of debility and depression which usually accompanies this
time is a gentle warning by nature that the body should remain quiet and
at rest.
It is natural for many persons to be especially depressed at this time;
an effort should be made by those who understand the situation to make
everything as agreeable and pleasant as possible to the sufferer.
=Danger to School Girls.=--Without the slightest doubt, many women are
suffering intensely to-day who might be enjoying the best of health had
they not been obliged to study so intensely while in school. A moderate
amount of study does no harm at this time, but the dread of
examinations, with our modern system of cramming at certain times of the
school year, has, without doubt, so worked upon the nervous system that
many a life has been made miserable as a result.
=Danger to Office Girls.=--It is astonishing, when one fully understands
the processes of menstruation, how so many girls and young women can
remain all day behind the counter in the store, or at the work-table,
during these few trying days, and even escape without serious illness.
Employers never think of the subject, and there is a natural delicacy on
the part of those most concerned to mention the subject.
There should be in all such establishments some woman to whom these
girls could confide their condition. This woman, or overseer, could
easily be made responsible for the apparent neglect of duties by these
girls at such times.
=Criminal Carelessness.=--How often is it true that young ladies attend
balls, skate, and otherwise recklessly expose themselves at this most
critical time. One is almost inclined to call such exposures really
criminal, because of the terrible consequences so sure to follow.
A simple wetting of the feet, or resting quietly in a draught after
exercise, during menstruation may impose upon the person a life-long
injury. How carefully, then, should mothers watch their daughters at
these periods, and how strongly should they impress upon them the
necessity of special care.
=Condition of Bowels Important.=--The condition of the bowels should also
be carefully looked after at these times. Indeed, this is so important
that it should never be neglected. There should be at least one good
movement of the bowels each day. Nothing can more certainly derange the
menstrual function than persistent constipation.
=Regularity Important.=--Every mother should make careful inquiry into the
exact frequency of the menstrual period with her young daughter, at
least during the first two years of the menstrual function.
If there is pain at this time, then something is certainly wrong, and
treatment should be taken at once. If there is irregularity, this also
requires most prompt attention, as it will surely develop into something
serious sooner or later. If the flow is too free, or not free enough, or
if there is any deviation from the standard of health, the mother should
be acquainted with it, and should proceed at once to correct the
difficulty.
=First Two Years Very Important.=--If a girl can get through the first two
years of her menstrual life without serious disease, she stands a very
good chance of enjoying good health during the rest of her life; while a
slight mistake at this time may produce the most serious disease in
later life. If you do not understand your ailments write to Mrs.
Pinkham, Lynn, Mass. Her advice is free and always helpful.