Metrorrhagia or heavy menstrual cycle is the term now employed to signify uterine hemorrhage, unconnected with the menstrual flow.
This hemorrhage may be active,-that is, composed of bright, arterial blood; or it may be passive,-consisting of the darker colored, venous blood. It may arise from the general influence of predisposing causes: from accidents; from violence; from excessive exertions of body; from sudden shocks and violent emotions of mind; from the presence of worms in the intestines; from the presence of polypi or other tumors within the pelvis; from ulcerated cancers, or other ulcers of the uterus; from any of the causes which may produce abortion or miscarriage,-and from the abortion or miscarriage itself; from retention of the placenta after parturition,-or otherwise, in consequence of parturition itself; and from the cessation of the menses after the change of life.
