Medical Dictionary Definitions A-Z List
Medical Dictionary Definitions A - Z - «M»:
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Menstrual
Menstrual: Pertaining to menstruation (the menses), as in last menstrual period,
menstrual cramps,
menstrual cycle, and
premenstrual syndrome. From the Latin menstrualis, from mensis meaning month....
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Menstrual cramps
Menstrual cramps: Cramping in the lower abdomen,
usually in the first or second day of the menstrual cycle.
These are caused contractions of the uterus as it expels
its unneeded contents, and also by the passage of clotted
blood through the cervix. Ibuprofen or other pain relievers
can reduce t...
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Menstrual cycle
Menstrual cycle: The monthly cycle of changes in the
ovaries and the lining of the uterus (endometrium), starting with the
preparation of an egg for fertilization. When the follicle of the
prepared egg in the ovary breaks, it is released for fertilization
and ovulation occurs. Unless pregnancy ...
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Menstrual irregularity
Menstrual irregularity: The normal menstrual
cycle is about four weeks long, and often follows the
phases of the moon. Its length varies from three to seven
days, but is usually consistent. However, girls and
teenagers who menstruate are usually irregular. This is not
a cause for concern unless...
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Menstrual migraine
Menstrual migraine: A migraine headache that affects a woman each month between the 2nd day before the start of the menstrual period and the end of menstruation. Menstrual migraine is different from nonmenstrual attacks of migraine, even in the same women, in the regularity of its timing and its gre...
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Menstrual spotting
Menstrual spotting: The presence of apparent
menstrual blood during the wrong parts of the menstrual
cycle. Some women have a tendency to bleed around
ovulation, which occurs at about the 14th day after the
first day of menstrual bleeding. In others, spotting can be
a sign of internal problems,...
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Menstrual synchronization
Menstrual synchronization: A phenomenon that
occurs when two or more menstruating women live together,
in which the menstrual cycles of the women gradually become
synchronized. The mechanism and reason for this effect is
unknown, although current research lays it to the effects
of female pherom...
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Menstrually associated migraine
Menstrually associated migraine: See: Menstrual migraine....
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Menstruation
Menstruation: The periodic blood that flows as a discharge from
the uterus. Also called menorrhea, the time during which menstruation occurs is referred
to as menses. The menses occurs at approximately 4 week intervals to compose the menstrual
cycle. ...
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Menstruation, anovular
Menstruation, anovular: Menstruation without ovulation. The egg stays within the ovary and usually disintegrates but sometimes it is fertilized, resulting in a life-threatening pregnancy within the ovary....
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Menstruation, cessation of
Menstruation, cessation of: Menstruation ends
naturally in middle age with the onset of the menopause. It can also
end suddenly as a result of induced menopause.
Cessation of menstruation in non-menopausal women may be
due to pregnancy, illness, disorders of the hypothalamus or
pituitary gland,...
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Menstruation, retrograde
Menstruation, retrograde: The flow of menstrual
blood from the uterus into the fallopian tubes, and
potentially into the abdomen. This condition can lead to
endometriosis....
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Mental child injury
Mental child injury: Also known as emotional child abuse,
this is the third most frequently reported form of child abuse (after
child neglect and physical child abuse), accounting 17% of all cases
of child abuse.
It is likely that emotional child abuse is greatly underreported,
since it can be...
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Mental retardation
Mental retardation: A term used when a person has certain limitations in mental functioning and in skills such as communicating, taking care of him or herself, and social skills. These limitations will cause a child to learn and develop more slowly than a typical child. Children with mental retardat...
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Mental retardation and clasped thumbs
Mental retardation and clasped thumbs: A syndrome with the following characteristic features:
(1) Neurological: Mental retardation and aphasia (lack of
speech);
(2) Limbs: Clasped (adducted) thumbs, absent extensor pollicis longus and/or brevis muscles to the thumb, shuffling gait, and leg spasticit...
