Page:Fielding - Sex and the Love Life.pdf/104

 For two or three days before the menses, the girl or woman is apt to feel a particular sensitiveness and nervous excitation, perhaps accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. These symptoms are usually relieved at the beginning of the flow.

A healthy woman will not suffer distress from the periods when the proper attitude is assumed toward the condition. Over-emphasis on the part of the mother or other elder, of the supposed distressing nature of the event, has started many a girl off with an exaggerated notion of the ordeal. As a consequence, the anticipated "sick spells," "cramps" and other foreboding experiences have been to some extent realized by the very process of mentally encouraging them and giving them a psychological reality.

As has been stated the function is a perfectly normal one, and while slight nervous and emotional reactions are to be expected, it is well to bear in mind that one should not cultivate them as pet idiosyncrasies. When a woman is aware of just what is happening in the complex structure of her organism, and what nervous and emotional reactions she may expect at this time, she will understand their true significance. A sensible, intelligent attitude on these occasions will do much to avoid periodical moods; which if encouraged by indulgence in them, may act as an incentive to irritation and unpleasantness in the daily life.

Hygiene of Menstruation. While the misconception that menstruation means illness is an old-fashioned idea that should be discarded, it is the part of commonsense to use some judgment in one's activities and mode of life during these periods. Of course, violent exercise at this time is decidedly unwise, but continuing one's usual activities in moderation benefits the circulation, and keeps the mind from