MENSTRUATION. The discharge of bloody fluid whidi issues every month from the genera tive organs of the human female during the period in which she is capailde of procreation.
The first appearance of this discharge. to which are applied the terms nica.wg and catamenia, is :t decided indication of the arrival of the period of commencing womanhood, and is usually accom panied by an enlargement of the mammary glands, a growth of the external genita14, an in crease of hair upon the nuns renuris, and an ac re...dim of re.erve, thoughtfulness, and maturity. Menstruation usually VOT111111.11COA between the fourteenth and the sixteenth years. and termi nates between the forty•eighth and fifty-second years. The cessation of the menstrual flow is menopause. The interval which 1Y elapses between tlu• appearanee.: of the likeharge is about four Aseeks, although it is oftener shorter; and the duration of the low is usually three or four days, but is liable to great variations. The first appearanee of the discharge is usually preceded and nevompanied by pain in the loins and headache. malaise. de
pression. and restlessness. and in many women these symptoms invariably necompany the dis charge. As a general rule there is no menstrual flow during pregnancy and Inetatinn, and its cessation is one of the first signs that concep tion has taken place.
In robust young girls who have lived an out door life there is no disturbance experienced at the appearance of the menses. In many others, however, there is considerable nervous excite. meat, consisting of irritability, emotion, de pression. flushing, and throbbing of the head. Difficult. and painful menstruation is called dys• menorrho-a. During such nervous manifesta tions the girl should be treated as an invalid, and studies should not lie persistently prose elated. Avoidance of drains upon physical and mental powers should be enjoined, and abundant daily outdoor life should be secured.