Terms used to describe abnormal vaginal bleeding
Vaginal bleeding is considered abnormal if it is not caused by pelvic disease, medicine, pregnancy, or another disease process. The following terms are used to describe abnormal vaginal bleeding:
Terms for vaginal bleeding Term Definition Menorrhagia Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding at regular intervals Metrorrhagia Irregular, frequent menstrual bleeding that is not prolonged or excessive Menometrorrhagia Prolonged or excessive menstrual bleeding at irregular intervals Polymenorrhea Regular menstrual bleeding at intervals of less than 21 days Oligomenorrhea Menstrual bleeding at intervals of more than 45 days Amenorrhea No menstrual bleeding for at least 3 usual cycle lengths Intermenstrual Menstrual bleeding between regular menstrual cycles
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: July 2, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Deborah A. Penava, BA, MD, FRCSC, MPH - Obstetrics and Gynecology William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine | |
 | ||
| |