Symptoms.—­These depend upon the size of the tumors.  The large tumors are generally cystic.  Examination of the vagina shows the pelvis filled by a tense, watery, fluctuating mass.  Examining the abdomen, the abdomen is seen more or less distended by a regular swelling, and sometimes this is enormous.  The abdomen is rounded and there is no bulging at the sides like there is in ascites (dropsy).  The navel is not prominent.  The tumor can be outlined.  It cannot be in ascites.

Treatment.—­In bygone years tapping was done for these tumors.  If it gets large or the health fails, an operation should be performed.  This is very successful in uncomplicated cases.  Inside of two months the patient is about well.  I know I have saved many lives of women by recommending an operation for such tumors.

For the congested ovary, treatment by tampons and medicine often helps.  I have frequently given a medicine called Apis-Mel for this condition and with success.  I give it in tablets of 1/100 of a grain regularly four times a day.

Menstruation and its disorders.—­Normal menstruation occurs monthly in the female.  There is a flow of blood from the cavity of the womb.  The time for its beginning is different in different countries, it being earlier in warm climates, ten to twelve years, and later in cold ones (fifteen to seventeen years); the average is fourteen years.

Pregnancy suspends menstruation and often nursing the child does, also.  Menstruation continues longer in robust, healthy women.  Change of life (Menopause) occurs usually between forty and fifty years.  The healthy girl and woman comes around every twenty-eight to thirty days.  This is the usual time.  The flow lasts from two to eight days and the quantity is about one ounce each day.  A slight feeling of weight and fullness in the lower abdomen (pelvis) should be the only symptom present in a healthy female.  The blood lost should not cause any special degree of weakness.

Premature menstruation.  Too early menstruation.—­Premature or precocious menstruation is when it occurs before puberty.  This is in part hereditary, but bad associations may be a cause of this early menstruation.

Treatment.—­The cause, if possible, should be removed.  The nerves should be kept quiet by rest and, if needed, general tonics like iron, arsenic, and nux vomica prescribed and given.

[Woman’s department 505]

Delayed menstruation.—­This is often caused by slow development of the generative organs.  The girl may not come around until seventeenth to nineteenth year.

Causes.—­It may be due to heredity.  Lack of proper nourishment and proper exercise are the most important causative factors.

Mothers’ remedies.—­l.  Obstruction of Monthly Flow.—­An herb combination for.