Читать книгу Old Age Deferred. The causes of old age and its postponement by hygienic and therapeutic measures онлайн

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A total lack of sexual desire in women is not normal, and may indicate changes in the ovaries. On the other hand, there is an increase of sexual desire at the period of augmented ovarian activity, as in the days preceding menstruation. We have had the opportunity of hearing praise of ovarian treatment from husbands of women with tendencies to sexual frigidity.

Very valuable information about the activity of the ovaries can be gained from the examination of the breasts. It must be borne in mind that the ovaries and the breasts stand in very close relation. Changes in the ovaries are always followed by changes in the breasts, and it is a very interesting fact that cases of cancer of the breast have been cured by extirpation of the ovaries.

Comparing the breasts of an innocent young girl between sixteen and twenty years with those of women of the same age leading an immoral life, or of women after many pregnancies or in advanced age, we notice at once the great difference between the large flabby breasts and the firm tissue of a young girl leading a moral life. According to our observations we have described^[124] cases of fatty enlargement of the breasts, following all those agencies which are hurtful to the ovaries, as masturbation, sexual excesses, many pregnancies, etc. On the other hand, in degenerated conditions of the ovaries and thyroid, especially if these conditions are congenital, we may find the breasts quite undeveloped.