Clinical Importance of Menstrual Irregularities

Key points
- Abnormalities of the type of bleeding may be a serious problem for adolescent girls.
- The other abnormality of rhythm, oligomenorrhea, can be an early sign of endocrine abnormalities with possible consequences for clinical care and future reproduction.
- Menorrhagia or metrorrhagia are disturbing in daily life and may contribute to psychological insecurity.
- Hypermenorrhea and menorrhagia are uncomfortable and can lead to anemia and iron deficiency.
Abnormalities of the type of bleeding may be a serious problem for adolescent girls. Menorrhagia or metrorrhagia are disturbing in daily life and may contribute to psychological insecurity. Hypermenorrhea and menorrhagia are uncomfortable and can lead to anemia and iron deficiency. The same applies to polymenorrhea, even if it is combined with menorrhagia.
The other abnormality of rhythm, oligomenorrhea, can be an early sign of endocrine abnormalities with possible consequences for clinical care and future reproduction. This is an important aspect. In addition, oncologic and metabolic problems should be considered. A diagnosis should be reached especially in girls with oligomenorrhea in order to detect a relevant endocrine, organic, metabolic or coagulation problem.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Women's Health →
NewsComplementary medicines can help mild depression and premenstrual syndrome
Many people use "alternative" or complementary products because they see them as a more gentle form of medicine. The German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care has now analysed the latest research on…
24 July 2009
NewsStudy finds genetic links to age of first menstrual period and menopause
Newly identified gene variants associated with the age at which females experience their first menstrual period and the onset of menopause may help shed light on the prevention of breast and endometrial cancer,…
19 May 2009
NewsResearchers Offer New Insight into Effectiveness of Procedure to Stop Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
Experts estimate that 20 percent of women experience excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding at some time during their lives, particularly as they approach menopause. A new, less invasive procedure called global…




