What is metorrhagia?

Metorrhagia is defined as bleeding that occurs at irregular intervals between menstrual periods. This can manifest as bleeding that does not adhere to the expected timing of the menstrual cycle, indicating a disruption in normal uterine bleeding patterns. The term specifically refers to this irregularity, which can be caused by various conditions, including hormonal imbalances, uterine fibroids, or other underlying health issues.

The other options refer to different menstrual irregularities or conditions. Heavy menstrual flow, for instance, is clinically known as menorrhagia, and it describes an excessive amount of bleeding during a menstrual period but does not address the timing. Menstruation lasting longer than seven days pertains to dysmenorrhea, while the absence of menstruation for six months is referred to as amenorrhea. Each of these conditions has distinct definitions that do not coincide with the concept of metorrhagia.