A CHAPTER FOR YOUNG WOMEN 469 



Symptoms of Puberty.— As the period of puberty 

 approaches, the whole system seems to take on an 

 increased activity. The growth becomes more rapid; 

 the hips begin to broaden, the abdomen to enlarge ; the 

 breasts increase in size; and by degrees the various 

 changes in the functions of the body, noted elsewhere 

 as occurring at puberty, make their appearance. The 

 nervous system is also more or less affected. Girls at 

 this age are apt to be somewhat irritable and nervous, 

 and in many cases the first symptoms of a sentimental 

 disposition make their appearance. 



Hygiene of Puberty.— The too early appearance 

 of puberty should be looked upon as a misfortune, as 

 it predicts, in the great majority of cases, premature 

 decay. Hence, if indications of the approach of pu- 

 berty appear at too early an age, such measures should 

 be adopted as will have the effect to delay the approach- 

 ing change. The most important of these are abundant 

 exercise in the open air, and plenty of muscular work, 

 though not of an exhausting character, a simple diet 

 of fruits, grains, and milk, with abstinence from flesh 

 food, and all excesses which tend to exhaust the nerv- 

 ous system. 



In case the indications are that puberty is delayed 

 beyond the proper time for its appearance, special 

 attention should be given to the girl's general health. 

 It is probable that there is some disturbance of nutri- 

 tion which prevents the appearance of the menstrual 

 function at the proper period. Whatever the cause is, 

 it should be carefully sought out and corrected. We 

 have frequently succeeded in bringing about the de- 

 sired results in these cases by a few weeks' treat- 

 ment by electricity, massage, and systematic exercise 

 in a gymnasium, with proper regulation of the diet. 



