An Investigation of the Action of Manganese on the Uterus Pertinent to Its Use in Dysmenorrhea *

For many years the late Dr. E. W. Smith, and following him Dr. D. P. Smith,47 used manganese dioxide in treating primary dysmenorrhea. Dr. A. L. Pierson"9 has also had success with this drug and has suggested a study of the subject. Long-standing dysmenorrhea, frequently so severe as to make the patient bed-fast for the first days of menstruation, has been completely relieved by the use of manganese dioxide in doses of 5 to 15 gr. three times daily, with treatment usually begun a few days before the expected period. An investigation now in progress suggests that manganese chloride, in small doses every two hours during the period, is even more effective.