FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What is the medical term for menstruation that occurs more frequently than every 21 days?

1. Menorrhagia

2. Polymenorrhea

3. Oligomenorrhea

4. Metrorrhagia

The correct answer is: Polymenorrhea

The medical term for menstruation that occurs more frequently than every 21 days is polymenorrhea. This condition is characterized by menstrual cycles that are shorter than the normal interval of 21 to 35 days, leading to frequent menstruation. Individuals experiencing polymenorrhea may have cycles that are consistently less than 21 days apart, which can be distressing and may require further evaluation to understand underlying causes. Menorrhagia refers specifically to excessive bleeding during menstruation, while oligomenorrhea indicates infrequent menstrual periods, typically defined as cycles occurring more than 35 days apart. Metrorrhagia describes bleeding that occurs at irregular intervals, which can be outside of the typical menstrual cycle pattern. Each of these terms describes different aspects of menstrual irregularities, with polymenorrhea specifically focusing on the frequency of the cycle. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate assessment and management of menstrual disorders.