Menstrual periods, abnormal

Alternative names:

periods, menstrual--heavy or prolonged; menorrhagia

Definition:

Profuse or extended menstrual bleeding.

Considerations:

The menstrual cycle is not the same for every woman. Normal menstrual flow occurs about every 28 days, lasts about 5 days, and produces a total blood loss of 60 to 250 milliliters (2 tablespoons to about 1 cup). Periods may be regular, irregular, light, heavy, painful, pain-free, long, or short, and still be normal. Variation in the menstrual cycle is medically less significant than bleeding, pain, or discharge between periods.

Bleeding may be something to worry about for women over 50 (post-menopausal) or younger than 12 (prepubertal). The risk of malignancy increases with age.

Make sure that bleeding is coming from the vagina and not from the rectum or in the urine. A serious problem can best be detected by the doctor when the bleeding is not active.

Common causes:

• anovulation (failure of ovaries to produce, mature, or release eggs)
• endometrial polyps
• endometrial hyperplasia and cancers
• uterine fibroids
• abnormal thyroid or pituitary function

Note: There may be other causes of menorrhagia. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for menorrhagia, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial