It has long been recognized that some persons are more susceptible to certain diseases than others. Some of the causes are well recognized, such as racial or constitutional ones; others are obscure and uncertain. It seems fairly definite that sexual factors play a part in the incidence of several diseases.
It is thought with good reason that the menstrual function is concerned in this difference in susceptibility. It is said to be the factor which excites many latent appendical infections. Some of the dermatoses, such as acne, are worse during the menstrual cycle. Instances of hypertension at each premenstruum have been reported. Lapinsky1 has reported increased dermographism with each menstrual period; a phenomenon even more striking is the peculiar susceptibility of the young female to tuberculosis. In all of these, biologic effects of the menstrual cycle are not unlike those following nonspecific protein therapy.
Most syphilologists