I once studied the horrendous “treatments” for the monthly menstrual cycles they had used in the not too distant past to treat the “hysterics” some women suffered through in those days. Not only did they perform too many “hysterectomies” they actually imprisoned some.
I shudder to think that less than 100 years ago any man could simply drop off his woman to the local “sanitarium” for treatment and not ever come back for her.
There are many accounts where probable severe anemia, severe premenstrual symptoms and unrecognized catarrhal (hormone-related) migraines were the cause for the “hysterics”.
To be fair and to account for the much more sexist times, the was a huge void in the medical knowledge at that time as well.
That is why in my practice, I aggressively treat any patient who complains of heavy, painful, or long periods or those who suffer the few days prior from extreme fatigue, headaches, constipation, weeping, etc.
The menstrual cycle, in this day and age can be very well managed and lives do not have to be “scheduled” around this part of the month for the most part.
Within reason, I can help my patients prevent severe menstrual pain or flow, decrease any mood or fatigue issues that hit prior, and even stop a period to bypass the upcoming wedding or beach holiday/cruise.
Don’t hesitate to get checked if you are very inconvenienced or are actually suffering due to your menstrual cycle. As my fellow colleagues who practice women’s care say-
You don’t have to live that way anymore.
I think there are days my husband would like to drop me off somewhere. Thank goodness he does not.
I bet vice versa is true too.
WOW. I had no idea that this is how the medical term hysterectomy began.
Enlightening article – thank you
No you know.
I was just reading about the, horrific and painful, Scold’s Bridle, which was used to silence women who were bothering their spouses. We’ve come a long way in the last few years, your post was very timely and I’m glad we can’t be locked up for hysteria. I’ve read that doctors were once employed to cure female hysteria by manual stimulation, which is how the vibrator was invented. #truestory