.

=Occurs Monthly.=--Once every twenty-eight days very remarkable changes
occur in the uterus, giving rise to that peculiar monthly periodicity
called menstruation, monthly sickness, monthlies, or being unwell.
Although this usually occurs once in about four weeks, yet it may be a
week less or a week longer; or, indeed, the variation may be even
greater than this.

=Symptoms of its Approach.=--As a perfectly natural menstrual period
approaches, there is a certain degree of discomfort and lassitude, a
sense of weight in the lower part of the body, and more or less
disinclination to enter society. These symptoms may be slightly
pronounced or very prominent, for it is quite unusual to find a person
who does not have at least some general discomfort at this time.

=Its Appearance.=--First there is a slight discharge of mucus which soon
becomes of a rusty brown or yellow color from the mixture of a small
quantity of blood. By the second or third day the discharge has the
appearance of pure blood. The unpleasant sensations which were so marked
at first now gradually subside, and the discharge, after continuing for
a certain number of days, grows more and more scanty. The color changes
from a pure red to a rusty tinge, and finally disappears altogether.
Then the ordinary duties are resumed.

=The Age of Puberty.=--Menstruation begins at about fourteen or fifteen
years of age, this period being known as "the age of puberty." It is
preceded and attended by peculiar signs. The whole figure becomes more
plump and round, the hips increase in breadth, and the breasts rapidly
develop. The more striking changes, however, occur in the inclinations
and emotional susceptibilities.

=Age Modified.=--A great many circumstances modify the age at which the
first menstruation takes place. In hot climates this takes place
earlier, the difference between hot and cold countries being as great as
three years; yet heredity has more to do with this than anything else.
"As was the mother so is the child" is a common saying among women.

=Continues About Thirty Years.=--The menstrual function continues active
from this age until about the forty-fifth year, although this may be
extended even ten years later. During all these years the woman is
capable of bearing children, because at each month there has been a
fully developed ovum, or egg, ready to be fertilized.

=The Change of Life.=--When the menstrual function ceases, then the period
of