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.

CHAPT