Soranus, Gynaecia 1.22–23: effect of exercise on the menses

Soranus, Gynaecia 1.22–23: effect of exercise on the menses

1st/2nd century CE

Medicine, health advice

Literary source

Also, (the amount of menstrual blood differs) according to habits and lifestyle. In those who lead an idle life the volume is greater, in those who – in any way whatsoever – have an athletic lifestyle it is smaller. Because of this, the amount is also reduced in singing teachers and in those who undertake any journey, especially when they come from the inland to the coastal regions.

translation by Alexander Meeus for the Cynisca project

παρὰ δὲ τὸ ἐπιτήδευμα καὶ τὴν ἀγωγήν· ταῖς μὲν ἀργῷ βίῳ χρωμέναις πλεῖον, ταῖς δὲ γυμναστικῷ καθ’ ὃν δήποτε τρόπον ἔλαττον. καὶ διὰ τοῦτο φωνασκοῖς καὶ ταῖς ἀποδημίαν τινὰ στελλομέναις, καὶ μάλιστα ταῖς ἐκ μεσογείων τόπων εἰς πελαγίους τόπους, ὑποστέλλεται τὸ πλῆθος.

V. Rose (ed.), Sorani Gynaeciorum vetus translatio Latina nunc primum edita cum additis Graeci textus reliquiis a Dietzio repertis atque ad ipsum codicem Parisiensem (Bibliotheca Scriptorum Graecorum et Romanorum), Leizpig 1882.