Midwifery care of the woman with menorrhagia

Menorrhagia is characterized by excessive menstrual bleeding and is defined as a menstrual blood loss of greater than 80 mt. Approximately one in ten women in the United States experiences menorrhagia. Although rarely life-threatening, menorrhagia can have a negative impact on women's lives, and its treatment can improve the quality of life for many women with this condition. This article reviews the definition, diagnosis, pathophysiology, assessment, and treatment of menorrhagia, as well as the impact of menorrhagia and its treatment on the quality of life for women with this condition. The role of the midwife in the care of the woman with menorrhagia is also reviewed. (C) 1999 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.