When it is evident that the discharge is in consequence of a full habit, it will be proper to reduce the system by living sparingly, by keeping the bowels rather in a laxative state, and by rising early, and taking through the day regular but frequent exercise; and, after the plethora is removed, by strengthening the vessels which have been over-distended, by the use of the cold bath. In a greater number of cases, however, we meet with a delicate constitution and spare habit, with pale countenance: this state requires the use of sea bathing or the shower bath, and the vessels of the womb are particularly strengthened by pouring cold water daily on the back and loins. It will be advisable to use a generous nutritive diet, with wine, and to have recourse to some of the tonic medicines, as advised under the head of obstructed menses, to strengthen the system generally. At the same time the bowels must be attended to, and invigorating exercise taken daily; whilst on the other hand, fatigue, and especially exposure to relaxing heat, must be carefully avoided. DECLINE OF THE MENSES. The nearer a woman approaches her forty-fifth year (_cæteris paribus_), will be the risk of some irregularity in the menses; and as this period is more frequently the one at which any latent disease of the uterus shows itself, it is always looked forward to with much anxiety by women. Indeed, so replete is this time with horrors to many, that we may very justly suspect apprehension to be the cause of some of the distressing symptoms, which sometimes accompany this interesting process of the human uterus. Delicate women, and especially those who have lived idly, have this period of life arrive earlier than those of a contrary constitution, and opposite habits. We have already noticed, in our section on Suppression, that this change sometimes takes place at a very early period of life, and this without leaving any injurious consequences behind it; and, on the other hand, we find many cases on record, where this discharge had continued with regularity to a much longer period than the ordinary one. Gardien mentions a case which fell under his own notice, where this evacuation continued with great exactness, until beyond the seventy-fifth year; others, still more uncommon, are mentioned by various writers.[7] This change is sometimes effected so silently, that the woman scarcely notices her altered condition; at others, its approach is so gradual, as not to attract observation, until the diminished quantity gives warning that it is about to take its leave for ever; while, again, the irregularity, both in period and quantity, may be such, as justly to give alarm, as well as to produce the most serious danger.