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.
CHAPTER VII.
DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION.
Amenorrhœa.—This is a condition in which the monthly flow is suspended. It can hardly be called a disease, as it is rather a symptom of some disorder of the uterus, or of some constitutional defect. This may occur at the time when menstruation should normally appear, namely, from fourteen to fifteen years of age.
Danger of a Decline.—If the young girl does not menstruate at sixteen, seventeen, or eighteen, something is certainly wrong, and treatment should be taken at once in order to correct the difficulty before the girl goes into a decline. It is not wise to trust too much to nature in these cases.