Definition

1. Noun:
   • Abnormal uterine bleeding: A medical term for bleeding from the uterus that occurs at irregular intervals, particularly between expected menstrual periods, or after menopause. This bleeding is not part of the normal menstrual cycle and often indicates an underlying medical condition.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The patient was diagnosed with metrorrhagia, prompting further investigation for potential fibroids or hormonal imbalance.
  • Postmenopausal metrorrhagia is always considered abnormal and requires immediate medical evaluation to rule out serious causes.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Diagnosis: In medical contexts, metrorrhagia is distinguished from (excessive menstrual bleeding) and (a combination of excessive and irregular bleeding). It is a symptom, not a disease itself.
  • The doctor noted that the irregular spotting was consistent with metrorrhagia, not simply a heavy period.

Variants and Related Words

• Menorrhagia (n): Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Menometrorrhagia (n): A condition featuring both excessive bleeding during menstruation and irregular, non-cyclical bleeding.
• Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding (DUB) (n): A broader term often used for abnormal uterine bleeding without an obvious structural or systemic cause, which can include patterns of metrorrhagia.

Synonyms

• Intermenstrual bleeding: Bleeding that occurs between menstrual periods.
• Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB): The modern, more comprehensive clinical term that encompasses metrorrhagia and other patterns.

Notes on Meaning

• Medical Specificity: Metrorrhagia specifically refers to bleeding that is part of a regular menstrual cycle. It is a sign that prompts medical investigation for conditions ranging from hormonal disorders and polyps to infections or malignancies.
• Distinction from Normal Cycle: It is crucial to differentiate this from occasional mid-cycle spotting, which may be normal for some individuals. Persistent or significant irregular bleeding defines metrorrhagia.

Noun

1. bleeding from the uterus that is not due to menstruation; usually indicative of disease (as cervical cancer)