Metrorrhagia

Metrorrhagia
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	N92.1, N92.4
ICD-9	626.6
DiseasesDB	6847
MeSH	D008796

Metrorrhagia, also known as breakthrough bleeding or spotting, is uterine bleeding at irregular intervals, particularly between the expected menstrual periods.^[1]

In some women, menstrual spotting between periods occurs as a normal and harmless part of ovulation. Some women experience acute mid-cycle abdominal pain around the time of ovulation (sometimes referred to by the German term for this phenomenon, mittelschmerz). This may also occur at the same time as menstrual spotting. The use of hormonal contraceptives, such as IUDs or oral contraceptives, can lead to breakthrough bleeding as well. If spotting continues beyond the first three cycles of oral contraceptive use, a woman should have her prescription changed to a pill containing either more estrogen or more progesterone.^[2]

Metrorrhagia may also be a sign of an underlying disorder, such as hormone imbalance, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or cancer of the reproductive organs.

Due to repeated bleeding, it may cause significant anemia.

Cause

Intermittent spotting between periods can result from any of numerous reproductive system disorders.

• Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
• Endometriosis
• Adenomyosis
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Hormone imbalance
• Endometrial hyperplasia
• Polyps
• Endometritis
• Cervicitis
• Vaginitis
• Diets which induce ketosis, such as the Atkins diet
• Use of progestin-only contraceptives, such as Depo Provera
• Cervical cancer
• Uterine cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Primary fallopian tube cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine leiomyomas
• Enlarged uterus with menorrhea
• Irregular ovulation, commonly caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome
• Pregnancy (implantation bleeding, ectopic pregnancy, or incomplete miscarriage)
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Von Willebrand Disease
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• PCOS
• Change in oral contraception
• Trauma
• Sexual abuse or rape

See also

• Menometrorrhagia
• Menstruation

References

1. ^ MedicineNet.com > Definition of Metrorrhagia Last Editorial Review: 3/17/2003
2. ^ Carlson, Karen J., MD; Eisenstat, Stephanie A., MD; Ziporyn, Terra, PhD (2004). The New Harvard Guide to Women's Health. Harvard University Press. pp. 385. ISBN 0674013433. 

External links