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 vaginal 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 vagina, pain and a feeling of weight in the loins and lower part of the abdomen, and, at times, the breasts 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 appetite 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 sexual 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 prone 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 assume the recumbent position until the period is passed. If circumstances 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 constitutes the necessary treatment to make the cure permanent.

As women approach the critical age, and menstruation ceases, if they are anÆmic, their condition is pitiable. This period is popularly denominated the turn of life. Under favorable circumstances, 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 nourishing, 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 associated 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 nourishing, 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.