What condition is characterized by excessive menstrual bleeding at regular intervals?

Menorrhagia is the term used to describe excessive menstrual bleeding that occurs at regular intervals, typically manifesting as periods that not only last longer than normal but also involve a heavier flow. Understanding the characteristics of menorrhagia is important for identifying this condition, as it can lead to significant health issues such as anemia due to prolonged blood loss.

In recognizing menorrhagia, it is crucial to differentiate this condition from others related to menstrual irregularities. For instance, dysmenorrhea refers specifically to painful menstruation, not the volume of blood lost. Oligomenorrhea describes infrequent menstrual cycles, while polymenorrhea refers to menstrual cycles that are excessively frequent. Therefore, the defining feature of menorrhagia is the excessive blood loss during a normal menstrual cycle. This condition may require further evaluation to identify underlying causes and effective management options.