Word parts
men/o menstruation-rrhagia heavy flow, bursting forth
What it means
Now often called heavy menstrual bleeding. It means soaking through a pad or tampon every hour for several hours, passing large clots, or bleeding for more than 7 days. Causes include fibroids, polyps, hormone changes, bleeding disorders and anticoagulant drugs. Over time it can cause iron-deficiency anemia.
For the nurse
Ask how many pads or tampons the client uses a day and how long periods last, and check for signs of anemia such as tiredness and pale skin.
At a glance
| Spanish | menorragia |
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Related terms
anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
menarche
A person's first menstrual period.
endometrium
The inner lining of the uterus, which thickens each month and is shed as the menstrual period if no pregnancy begins.
dysmenorrhea
Painful menstrual periods.