Herself | Page 6

body. The ovaries and uterus
atrophy or shrink in size, and cease to functionate. The nervous system
is being readjusted to meet the changed conditions. One symptom of
the approach of this period is irregularity in menstruation; sometimes
several periods are missed, then the menstrual flow appears normally
for several months and then disappears again. Often the woman
complains of hot flashes, cramps in the limbs and other parts of the
body. These are caused by the attempts to readjust the nervous system
to the altered conditions. A great many women worry unnecessarily, for
there is no especial danger at this time unless the body has been
neglected previously and a diseased condition is present. But the body
needs a little extra care, just as it did at puberty. So many women break
down their health by worrying at this period over what might happen.
The best plan for every woman, as soon as she perceives the approach

of this period, is to go to a reliable physician and have a thorough
examination. Then if there are any neglected tears or chronic
inflammations they can be corrected and danger removed. If a person
were to cross a deep lake and had any doubts regarding the worthiness
of the vessel provided for his use, he would be very foolish if he did not
have a trained boat-builder examine his vessel and repair any weak
places. It is just as important for a woman about to cross this period of
her life to go to a trained repairer of bodies and have him correct any
weak places.
The various changes taking place consume so much of the woman's
strength that she requires an extra amount of rest and cannot use up as
much energy in working as at other periods of her life. The ordinary
woman does not realize the need of extra rest during this period and so
continues her usual work. Then the extra drain on her nervous system
shows itself in various forms. The disturbances sometimes are
productive of so much discomfort and so often are exaggerated beyond
physiological limits that the patient is impelled to seek relief and often
requires a physician's attention. Puberty or the period of development
extends over several years, so the menopause or period of atrophy
extends over a period of from three to five years. If a woman relaxes
and allows the changes to proceed naturally she need have no cause to
worry, but she must remember that rest from continual strain is
necessary during this period. Freedom from care, relaxation of physical
and mental effort, regular periods of complete rest once or twice a day,
a reduction of the diet and regulation of the bowels should be the first
principles of treatment. Then--do not worry but occupy the mind with
happy thoughts.
CHAPTER III
DISEASES OF THE FEMALE ORGANS
So much of the suffering among women is unnecessary, being due to
the neglect of the little things, so much ill health can be relieved by
attention to a few simple hygienic measures, that I think it wise to
describe some of the most common disorders of the female organs, and

to explain their symptoms so that you would not ignorantly neglect
them, if you should be so unfortunate as to contract any.
The most common diseases of the female organs may be classed as
displacements, inflammations and tumors.
On account of its lack of strong attachment, the womb is very easily
displaced. When from any cause the womb is congested and heavy the
extra weight stretches the supporting muscles and ligaments, which
then allow it to fall out of place. It also may be displaced by a sudden
fall, by jumping or other strenuous exercise. As the womb normally is
heavier at the menstrual period than at any other time and as there is a
natural congestion then, it is more easily displaced at that time than
during any other part of the month. This is one reason why one should
be careful not to take strenuous exercise at the menstrual period.
The most common displacement, or the most common way for the
womb to tip, is backwards and at the same time it usually falls
downward. You remember, the rectum is directly back of the womb, so,
if the womb is tipped backwards, it presses against the rectum. This
tends to prevent the feces, or bowel movement, from passing out
naturally and helps to produce constipation. The womb, pressing
against the rectum, also presses on the blood vessels which are very
numerous there. This pressure on the blood vessels prevents the blood
from leaving them. If it is held there, it causes the blood vessels to
dilate in order to be large enough to contain it. We call this enlarged
portion of the