DYSLYSIN (Gr. to dissolve”), an amorphous, resinous substance, having the for mula C24}1,.0., and obtained from cholalic acid by heating to about 600° F. or by prolonged boiling with dilute hydrochloric or sulphuric acid. It is soluble in ether, slightly soluble in boiling alcohol and insoluble in water; and it is reconverted into cholalic acid by boiling with an alcoholic solution of caustic potash. It is found in small quantities in the contents of the large intestine of herbivorous and carnivorous animals, and also in their feces, being in such case the result of bacterial processes upon the cholalic acid of the bile.
DYSMENORRHcEA, dis-men-o-rea, pain ful menstruation. To constitute dysmenorrhoea, the pain accompanying menstruation should be very distinct and persistent. Inasmuch as dys menorrhoea is found accompanying a vast va riety of abnormal conditions of the uterus and ovaries, it seems not improbable that this affec tion has various pathologies, but may be asso ciated with almost any abnormal condition within the generative apparatus of women. A vast variety of forms of dysmenorrhoea have been described, the most important of which seems to be that of obstructive dysmenorrhoea, or a mechanical form supposed to be due to some interference in the escape of the men strual fluid. Those who suffer from dysmenor rhoea are apt to be anemic, which anemia in itself may be a sufficient cause for the disease.
They are apt to be extremely nervous and run down. Many cases of dysmenorrhoea are psychic in origin, how great a proportion it is impossible to say, but probably 25 per cent. A large group are due to under developed organs. Here endocrinous gland disturbances are to be found. Treatment should be directed to the supplying of the deficiency of the iron in the blood to overcome the anemia, and the use of cod liver oil and other reconstructives for the anemic forms and proper psychotherapy for the psychogenic types. The endocrinous types need internal glandular or opotherapy. Pronounced ovarian disease, usually found only in older patients, requires surgical therapy. Of the various drugs that have been used for the temporary treatment of dysmenorrhoea those that relax muscular fibres and arterial walls seem to give the best results. This is true of a number of the newer synthetic drugs that have been employed very widely of late. As no two cases of dysmenorrhoea are due to precisely the same cause, general directions for treatment would be out of place in a work of this char acter, but rest in bed, free movements of the bowels and hot water in the form of hot-water bags, or hot-water enemata, are very useful household remedies. See MENSTRUATION ;