IMPORTANCE OF A CORRECT DIAGNOSIS.--It is a mistake to attribute every symptom a woman may have at this time of life to the menopause. She is just as liable to develop conditions at this time, which she would at any age, and which have no relation to the "change of life." Every symptom should, therefore, be carefully investigated, because serious conditions may complicate the menopause, and if attributed to it and neglected, may end disastrously. During the "change of life," the generative organs become smaller or, as it has been termed, "dry up." The breasts also are involved in the shrinking process. It is quite a common experience for women to "lay on" fat, to become "flabby," at this age. It is important that women should become familiar with the ordinary symptoms of the "change of life," in order that they may be constantly on guard against conditions that may indicate danger. Medical investigation has conclusively proved that many women lose their lives because they regarded the presence of certain symptoms as common to the "change of life." There is a tendency to disease at this time which must be intelligently considered, and if women are not posted to note unusual signs or symptoms they may neglect or ignore them, only to find when too late that these signs and symptoms were no part of the "change of life." THE DANGER SIGNALS OF THE CHANGE OF LIFE.--There are certain "danger signals" which should warn every woman that something is amiss, these are:-- (1) Profuse bleeding during the process of the "change." (2) Bleeding occurring between the regular menstrual periods. (3) The reappearance of slight bleedings or hemorrhages after menstruation has ceased for a number of months. These symptoms are always suggestive of the presence of conditions that should not exist. They may indicate cancer, or some less serious condition that is amenable to cure by prompt and efficient treatment. Inasmuch as they may mean the beginning of cancer,--as explained in the preceding chapter on cancer, and which should be read in this connection,--immediate steps should be taken to find out the actual facts. Delay means death if it is cancer, while the most recent statistics show that in many cases a complete cure is possible if the surgeon gets the case early. CONDUCT DURING "CHANGE OF LIFE."--When a woman enters the "change of life" she is approaching a crisis that demands the most conscientious attention on her own part, and the sincerest consideration by all around her. She has reached the time of life when she owes herself something, and if she is wise she will willingly pay the debt. If she is not in good health she must make every effort to regain it promptly, even if radical measures must be employed in doing so. Nothing will contribute to her mental and physical comfort more than robust health during this period.