What is amenorrhea?

Amenorrhea refers specifically to the absence of menstruation in a woman of reproductive age. This condition can be classified as either primary or secondary. Primary amenorrhea is when a young woman has not begun to menstruate by age 15, while secondary amenorrhea occurs when a woman who has been having normal menstrual cycles stops menstruating for three months or longer.

Understanding amenorrhea is important in the context of reproductive health because it can indicate underlying health issues, including hormonal imbalances, stress, significant weight loss or gain, or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recognizing this absence of menstruation can lead to further investigation into a person's overall health and reproductive function.