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-th reatening, menorrhagia can have a negative impact on women's lives, and its treatment can improve the quality of life for many women with this conditi on. This article reviews the definition, diagnosis, pathophysiology, assess ment, and treatment of menorrhagia, as well as the impact of menorrhagia an d its treatment on the quality of life for women with this condition. The r ole of the midwife in the care of the woman with menorrhagia is also review ed. (C) 1999 by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.