What does amenorrhea refer to?

Amenorrhea specifically refers to the absence of menstrual periods. This condition can be classified as primary amenorrhea, where menstruation has not begun by a certain age, and secondary amenorrhea, which occurs when menstruation that was previously regular stops for three or more months. Understanding amenorrhea is crucial since it can signal underlying health issues, such as hormonal imbalances, significant weight changes, stress, or other medical conditions. The term emphasizes a lack of the expected physiological process of menstruation rather than variations in its occurrence, such as normal cycles, irregular periods, or excessive bleeding.