Which term describes abnormally heavy or long menses?

Which term describes abnormally heavy or long menses?

• A. Amenorrhea
• B. Menorrhagia
• C. Polymenorrhagia
• D. Dysmenorrhea

Answer: (B)

Heavy or prolonged menses are described as menorrhagia. This term means the bleeding is heavier than normal or lasts longer than typical cycles—often defined clinically by substantial blood loss (roughly more than 80 mL per cycle) or menses that continue for more than about seven days. It’s distinct from amenorrhea (absence of menses), dysmenorrhea (painful menses), and polymenorrhagia (frequent menses with a shortened cycle). Recognizing this pattern helps guide evaluation for underlying causes such as fibroids, polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, or clotting disorders, which is especially relevant in ultrasound assessment.

Heavy or prolonged menses are described as menorrhagia. This term means the bleeding is heavier than normal or lasts longer than typical cycles—often defined clinically by substantial blood loss (roughly more than 80 mL per cycle) or menses that continue for more than about seven days. It’s distinct from amenorrhea (absence of menses), dysmenorrhea (painful menses), and polymenorrhagia (frequent menses with a shortened cycle). Recognizing this pattern helps guide evaluation for underlying causes such as fibroids, polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, or clotting disorders, which is especially relevant in ultrasound assessment.