The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser in Plain English Part 101

TREATMENT. As acute suppression of the menses is due to derangement of the circulation of the blood, caused by taking cold, by violent excitement of the propensities or excessively strong emotional experience, the prominent indication is to secure its speedy equalization. Give a hot foot, a warm sitz, or the spirit vapor-bath and administer full doses of Dr. Pierce's Compound Extract of Smart-weed, to produce free perspiration. Dr. Eberle, a very celebrated medical author, says that he used the Extract of Smart-weed in twenty cases of amenorrhea, and affirms, "with no other remedy or mode of treatment have I been so successful as with this." Our experience in the use of the Extract has been equally satisfactory. Should this treatment not establish the function, Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription should be given three times a day until the system is invigorated, say for twenty-eight days, when the above course may be repeated, and generally with success. Should the case be complicated with inflammation of the lungs, brain, or other vital organs, manifesting alarming symptoms, the family physician should be called. The treatment should be active and suited to the indications of each particular case. When the disease becomes chronic, the active stage of symptoms having pa.s.sed, and it continues to linger without making the desired improvement, all the means suggested for the treatment of suppression from anaemia should be employed. Their use will be followed by the most gratifying results. It should be borne in mind, however, that when we have suggested any treatment in this volume, it is generally such as the family may inst.i.tute and apply, and does not, by any means, represent the variety or extent of the remedial resources which we employ when consulted in person or by letter. We refer our readers to only a few of the safe and reliable remedies which we have prepared and placed within their reach, and give them just such hygienic advice as we think will best serve their interests.

DYSMENORRHEA.

(PAINFUL MENSTRUATION.)

_Dysmenorrhea_, from its Greek derivation, signifies a _difficult monthly flow,_ and is applied to menstruation when that function becomes painful and difficult. Menstruation, like other healthy operations of the body, should be painless, but too frequently it is the case, that discomfort and distress commence twenty-four hours before the flow appears, and continue with increasing pain, sickness at the stomach, and vomiting, until the patient has to take to the bed. When the discharge does occur, speedy relief is sometimes obtained, and the patient suffers no more during that menstrual period. With others, the commencement of the function is painless, but from six to twenty-four hours after, the flow is arrested and the patient then experiences acute suffering. Pain may be felt in the back, loins, and down the thighs. Sometimes it is of a lancinating, neuralgic kind, at others, it is more like colic.

Frequently the distress causes la.s.situde, fever, general uneasiness, and a sense of lethargy. There are those who suffer more or less during the entire period of the flow, while the distress of others terminates at the time when a membranous cast is expelled. For convenience of description, dysmenorrhea has been divided into the following varieties: _neuralgic, congestive, inflammatory, membranous_, and _obstructive_.

_The neuralgic variety_ of dysmenorrhea, sometimes called _spasmodic_ or _idiopathic_, occurs when there is excessive sensibility of the ovaries and uterine nerves, which sympathetically _respond_, especially to cutaneous, biliary, and s.e.xual irritation, and when ovarian or uterine irritation is communicated to distant nerve-centres. In the first cla.s.s, usually comprising lean persons of an encephalic temperament, whatever disorders the functions of the general system, instantaneously reflects upon the ovaries and uterine nerves, and the menstrual function Is correspondingly disturbed, and, instead of being painless, the flow becomes spasmodic, with paroxysms of distress. In the second cla.s.s, which includes those persons who are plethoric, the ovarian and uterine nerves seem to be the origin and centre of irritation, which is sometimes so severe as to cause indescribable pain. We have known women who affirmed that the severity of labor pains was not so great as that from this cause. In one instance, the subject suffered thus for eleven years, and then became a mother, and has ever a.s.serted that her periodic suffering was far more intense than the pain experienced during her confinement. These neuralgic pains fly along the tracks of nerves to different organs, and capriciously dart from point to point with marvelous celerity, producing nausea, headache, and sometimes delirium.

IN THE CONGESTIVE VARIETY of dysmenorrhea, the menstrual period may be ushered in without pain; after a few hours, the pulse becomes stronger and more rapid, the skin grows hot and dry, the menses stop, there is uneasiness, restlessness, and severe pelvic pains. Evidently, the mucous membranes of the Fallopian tubes and uterus have become congested, and the pain results from the arrest of the functional process, the exudation of blood.

THE CAUSES are plethora, exposure to cold, excitement of the emotions or pa.s.sions, and a morbid condition of the blood. Sometimes congestion arises in consequence of a displacement of the uterus.

IN THE INFLAMMATORY VARIETY, the mucous membrane of the uterus is the seat of irritation. The blood flows into the capillary vessels in greater abundance than is natural, and those vessels become over-dilated and enfeebled and so altered in their sensibility as to produce local excitement and pain. It may be a.s.sociated with inflammation of the ovaries, peritoneum, or bladder. Upon the return of the menses, there is a dull, heavy, fixed pain in the pelvis, which continues until the period is completed. There is generally tenderness of the uterus, and also leucorrhea during the intervals between each monthly flow.

IN THE MEMBRANOUS VARIETY of dysmenorrhea, the entire mucous membrane which lines the cavity of the uterus, in consequence of some morbid process, is gradually detached and expelled at the menstrual period.

SYMPTOMS. There are steady pains at the commencement of the menstrual flow, and they increase in violence and become decidedly expulsive. The mouth of the uterus gradually dilates, and finally, the membrane is forced out of the uterus, attended with a slight flow of blood and an entire subsidence of the pain.

THE TREATMENT, in all the preceding varieties of dysmenorrhea, should consist of measures to determine the circulation of the blood to the surface, and increase the perspiratory functions. Congestion and inflammation of the internal organs are generally induced by exposure to cold or from insufficient clothing. Sometimes they follow from neglect of the skin, which is not kept clean and its excretory function encouraged by warm clothing. The domestic treatment at the monthly crisis should be commenced by the administration of hot foot, and sitz-baths, after which the patient should be warmly covered in bed, and bottles of hot water applied to the extremities, back, and thighs. Dr.

Pierce's Compound Extract of Smart-weed should be given in full doses, frequently repeated, to secure its diaph.o.r.etic, emmenagogue, and anodyne effects, which, for this painful affection, is unsurpa.s.sed. For the radical cure of this disease, whether of a congestive, inflammatory, or neuralgic character, Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription, which is sold by druggists, is a pleasant and specific remedy, which will most speedily correct the abnormal condition that produces the trouble, and thereby obviate the necessity of pa.s.sing this terrible ordeal at every monthly period. The patient should take two teaspoonfuls of the medicine three times a day, and keep up its use in these doses for weeks.

Frequently, one month will suffice to cure, but in most cases, a longer season is required. In the end, the suffering patient will not be disappointed, but will become a new being, ready for the enjoyment and duties of life. The bowels should be kept regular throughout the treatment by the use of Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets, if necessary. A hand or sponge-bath should be used daily to keep the skin active, and be followed by a brisk rubbing of the surface with a rough towel or flesh-brush. A wet sheet pack will cleanse the pores of the skin and invite the blood into the minute capillaries of the surface, and thus prove of great benefit. It should be repeated after an interval of seven days, but ought to be omitted if near the approach of a menstrual period. The clothing should be warm, to protect the system against changes of temperature; especially should every precaution be taken to keep the feet dry and warm. The patient should walk in the open air, and the distance should be regularly lengthened at each succeeding walk. If the course of treatment which we have suggested be faithfully pursued, a permanent cure will be effected.

IN THE OBSTRUCTIVE VARIETY of dysmenorrhea, some organic impediment hinders the exit of the menstrual blood from the uterus, which, consequently, becomes distended and painful. The pain may be constant, but is most acute when the uterus makes spasmodic efforts to discharge the menstrual blood. If these efforts prove successful, there is an interval of relief. Flexion or version of the womb may produce partial occlusion of the ca.n.a.l of the neck of the uterus, thus preventing the free flow of the menstrual fluid through it. Tumors located in the body or neck of the uterus often cause obstruction to the free discharge of the menses. Imperforate hymen and v.a.g.i.n.al stricture also sometimes cause obstruction and give rise to painful menstruation. As these several abnormal conditions and diseases will be treated of elsewhere in this volume, we omit their further consideration here.

Partial adhesion of the walls of the neck of the womb may result from inflammation of the mucous lining, and prevent a free and easy exit of the menstrual fluid. In many cases, the contracted and narrowed condition of the ca.n.a.l of the cervix seems to be a congenital deformity, for we can trace it to no perceptible cause. It is also true that contraction and partial, or even complete, stricture of the cervix, or neck of the womb, often results from the improper application of strong caustics to this pa.s.sage by incompetent and ignorant surgeons. Every person has observed the contraction of tissue caused by a severe burn, which often produces such a distortion of the injured part as to disfigure the body for life. A similar result is produced when the neck of the womb is burned with strong caustics. The tissues are destroyed, and, as the parts heal, the deeper-seated tissues firmly contract, forming a hard, unyielding cicatrix, thus constricting the neck of the womb, through which the menses pa.s.s into the v.a.g.i.n.a.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 3.

THE UTERINE DILATOR.

This instrument is introduced into the ca.n.a.l of the uterine neck with its blades closed. By means of the thumb-screw the blades are then separated as shown in this ill.u.s.tration, the cervical ca.n.a.l being thereby dilated to the required extent.]

TREATMENT. From the nature of this malady, it will readily be seen that no medical treatment can effect a radical cure. We must therefore resort to surgery. In a small proportion of cases, the stricture may be cured by repeated dilations of the constricted part of the cervical ca.n.a.l.

This may be accomplished by using a very smooth probe which is fine at the point, but increases in size, so that its introduction will widen and expand the orifice and ca.n.a.l. The stricture may be overcome in many cases by using different sized probes. In some instances, we have employed the uterine dilator, represented by Fig. 3. We have also introduced sea-tangle and sponge tents into the neck of the womb, and allowed them to remain until they expanded by absorbing moisture from the surrounding tissues. The latter process is simple, and in many cases preferable. By means of a speculum (see Figs. 15 and 16), the mouth of the womb is brought into view, and the surgeon seizes a small tent with a pair of forceps and gently presses it into the neck of the womb, where it is left to expand and thus dilate the pa.s.sage. If there seems to be a persistent disposition of the circular fibers of the cervix to contract, and thus close the ca.n.a.l, a surgical operation will be necessary to insure permanent relief. In performing this operation, we use a cutting instrument called the hysterotome (see Figs. 4 and 5). By the use of this instrument, the cervical ca.n.a.l is enlarged by an incision on either side. The operation is but slightly painful, and, in the hands of a competent surgeon, is perfectly safe. We have operated in a very large number of cases and have never known any alarming or dangerous symptoms to result. After the incision, a small roll of cotton, thoroughly saturated with glycerine, is applied to the incised parts, and a larger roll is introduced into the v.a.g.i.n.a. The second day after the operation, the cotton is removed, the edges of the wound separated by a uterine sound or probe, and a cotton tent introduced into the cervix, and allowed to remain, so that it will expand and thus open the wound to its full extent. This treatment must be thoroughly applied, and repeated every alternate day, until the incised parts are perfectly healed.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 4.

WHITE'S HYSTEROTOME.

In operating, this instrument is introduced into the ca.n.a.l of the neck of the womb, when a thumb screw in the end of the handle is turned, by which a small blade is thrown out from each side, and as the instrument is withdrawn from the ca.n.a.l an incision is made on each side, thus enlarging the pa.s.sage. The upper figure ill.u.s.trates the instrument closed, ready for introduction; the lower one, with the blades projected for cutting.]

Many times patients cannot understand why it is that the operation of cutting the constricted cervix causes no pain; they often being entirely unconscious of the making of the incision. The explanation is easy. The cervix uteri, or neck of the womb, is supplied with but few nerves of sensation, and is almost as dest.i.tute of sensation as the finger or toe nails, the paring of which causes not the slightest pain. On this account we never find it necessary to administer chloroform or any other anaesthetic when undertaking this operation. If the patient be extremely sensitive the application to the cervix of a weak solution of cocaine is quite sufficient to completely benumb or anesthetize the parts so as to entirely avoid all pain from the operation.

[Ill.u.s.tration: Fig. 5.

STOHLMAN'S HYSTEROTOME.

This instrument has two cutting blades which shut past each other, as seen in the lower figure, so as not to cut when introduced into the ca.n.a.l of the uterine neck. After introduction, the cutting blades are separated, as shown in the upper figure, the extent of the incision being regulated by the thumb-screw attached to the handles, as represented in the lower figure.]

MENORRHAGIA.

(PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.)

The word _Menorrhagia_, which is of Greek derivation, literally means _monthly breaking away_, and is employed to designate profuse menstruation. This disorder must not be confounded with those hemorrhages which are not periodical, and which are due to other causes.

The term _menhorrhagia_ is restricted to an immoderate monthly flow. The menstrual flow may occur too often, continue too long, or be too profuse. It induces a feeble pulse, cold extremities, weak respiration, general debility, and may occur in opposite states of the system, _i.e._, in women who have a plethoric and robust habit, or in those of flaccid muscles and bloodless features. When the menstrual discharge is natural, it is so gradual that by mixing with the v.a.g.i.n.al secretions it is prevented from coagulating, while in this disease, clots are often formed.

SYMPTOMS. In women of a _plethoric_ habit, it is ushered in by itching and heat in the v.a.g.i.n.a, pain and a feeling of weight in the loins and lower part of the abdomen, and, at times, the b.r.e.a.s.t.s become hot and painful. There is considerable thirst, headache, and giddiness. At last, the blood appears and flows profusely, and all the violent symptoms at once subside. The rest of the period is marked by an inordinate flow, leaving the system weak from the loss of blood. It oftener occurs, however, in persons who are naturally weak and delicate, in which case the periods are more frequent and continue longer, and after a time they are renewed by any bodily exertion or mental emotion, so that a constant drain exists. If the flow of blood is not continuous, leucorrhea intervenes. The patient gradually loses strength and becomes languid, her face is pale and usually bloated, livid circles appear around the eyes, the appet.i.te is impaired, the bowels are constipated, and the feet and ankles swollen. Lack of blood in the brain is indicated by headache, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. The patient is nervous and irritable, being disturbed by the slightest noise, and the heart palpitates after the least exertion.

CAUSES. The _first_ form is caused by eating too much rich and highly-seasoned food, drinking wine, porter, ale, or beer, want of exercise, in brief, whatever induces plethora; the _second_ results from an insufficient or poor diet, leucorrhea, frequent abortions, want of ventilation, inherent feebleness, and whatever depresses the vital powers. Either form may be due to syphilitic taints, excessive s.e.xual indulgence, accidents of pregnancy, or organic diseases of the womb. The morbid affections of the womb most likely to induce menorrhagia, are granular ulceration of its mouth and neck, fungous degeneration of its lining membrane, and tumors within that organ. As these subjects will be severally considered hereafter, we shall here dismiss them with this brief notice.

Profuse menstruation is very p.r.o.ne to occur in young women of a lymphatic temperament, whose organs are sleazy in texture.

TREATMENT. To control the excessive flow, the patient should remain in her bed, and a.s.sume the rec.u.mbent position until the period is pa.s.sed.

If circ.u.mstances prevent strict compliance with this rule, it should be observed as nearly as possible. Warmth should be applied to the feet, and cold cloths, which ought to be removed as soon as they become warm by the heat of the body, should be repeatedly placed upon the back and abdomen. A strong tea made from cinnamon bark, or witch-hazel leaves or bark, taken freely, will prove very efficacious in checking the flow.

The fluid extract of ergot, in doses of from half a teaspoonful to a teaspoonful, in a little water or cinnamon tea, is one of the most effectual remedies in this affection. Another valuable remedy for arresting menorrhagia is an infusion of Canada fleabane; or the oil of this plant may be administered in doses of from five to ten drops on sugar. Gallic acid is also a good styptic to employ in these cases. If there is febrile excitement, a hard pulse, frequent and throbbing, and if there is headache, thirst, parched lips, hot and dry skin, as is sometimes the case, then menorrhagia is due to an augmented action of the heart and arteries, and the indication of treatment is to diminish vascular action. This may be temporarily accomplished by the use of veratrum viride, which should be continued until the flow is sufficiently diminished.

The means already suggested will generally prove effective in controlling the inordinate flow at the time. Treatment that will produce permanent relief should then be adopted. The condition of the skin, kidneys, and bowels, requires attention for noxious elements should not be retained in the system. To give tone to weakened pelvic organs we know of nothing more specific in its effects than Dr. Pierce's Favorite Prescription, which is sold by druggists. It should be taken continuously for weeks, in order to fully correct the extremely weakened condition of that organ. It also aids nutrition, and thus tones up the general system, so that in the form of profuse menstruation, resulting from debility, the patient is strengthened, her blood enriched, and her nervousness quieted, which const.i.tutes the necessary treatment to make the cure permanent.

As women approach the critical age, and menstruation ceases, if they are anaemic, their condition is pitiable. This period is popularly denominated the _turn of life_. Under favorable circ.u.mstances, the vitality is decidedly enhanced, and the decline of this function is attended with a revival of the bodily powers. But when this crisis has been preceded by excessive labor, when intemperance or excesses of any kind have deranged the bodily functions and perverted nutrition, when the mind has been long and deeply depressed, or when the insidious progress of disease of the heart, liver, or other Important organs, occurs in consequence of irregularities of living, then there is danger of congestion of the uterus and a protracted and profuse menstrual flow, which favors a decline.

The treatment of this form of menorrhagia does not differ from that already suggested. The diet should be light and nouris.h.i.+ng, and daily exercise, such as walking, riding, change of air and scenery, all will contribute to restoration. Especial attention should be directed to the condition of the bowels and liver. If the latter be deranged, Dr.

Pierce's Golden Medical Discovery will be a most efficacious remedy.

When there is a diminution of vital force, resulting in impaired nutrition and disorders of blood, an alterative is required which will insensibly and gradually restore activity by removing the causes of derangement. Impairment of nutrition is very frequently a.s.sociated with functional or organic disease of the liver, and curative measures consist of the use of alteratives, friction baths, exercise, nutritive diet, and diversion of the mind. Whenever innutrition depends upon deprivation of the blood or torpor of any of the secretory organs, the "Golden Medical Discovery" will prove to be an invaluable remedial agent, for it is an alterative and at the same time a blood restorative.

If the bowels be costive small laxative doses of Dr. Pierce's Pleasant Pellets should be employed. The "Favorite Prescription" regulates the menstrual function by toning up the tissues of the uterus and restraining the escape of the menses from the orifices of the blood-vessels. While the diet should be nouris.h.i.+ng, consisting of wild game, mutton, chicken, and wine, the patient ought not to debilitate the stomach by the use of strong tea or coffee. The circulation of the blood should be quickened by riding, walking, exposure to sunlight, and fresh air. The patient ought to engage in some light occupation, in which the mind will be constantly as well as agreeably employed, but not overtaxed. By pursuing the course of treatment, invalids suffering from menorrhagia may be permanently restored to health.

THE TURN OF LIFE.

(CESSATION OF THE MENSES.)