Question

Oligomenorrhoea means?

• A. Cycle < 20 days
• B. Cycle more than 45 days
• C. Cycle more than 28 days
• D. Cycle more than 35 days

Hint:

Think of the upper limit of a normal cycle and what lies just beyond it.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Oligomenorrhoea is defined as infrequent menstruation. The menstrual cycle length is prolonged beyond the normal upper limit, so the bleeds come less often than expected.

Step 2: The normal menstrual cycle ranges from about 21 to 35 days. When the cycle interval exceeds 35 days but is still less than 6 months, the condition is termed oligomenorrhoea.

Step 3: Therefore a cycle of more than 35 days fits the definition, making option (d) correct. A cycle longer than 6 months apart would be called amenorrhoea instead.

Step 4: The distractors are wrong because a cycle of less than 20 days (option a) describes polymenorrhoea or frequent menses, while more than 28 days (option c) is still within the normal range and not abnormal. The value of more than 45 days (option b) is true but is not the standard textbook cut-off, which is 35 days.