Which term describes the absence of menstrual periods?

The term that describes the absence of menstrual periods is amenorrhea. This condition can be classified into primary amenorrhea, where menstruation has not begun by a certain age, and secondary amenorrhea, which refers to the cessation of menstrual cycles after they have previously been established.

Understanding this term is critical in the field of clinical medicine, as amenorrhea can be indicative of various underlying health issues such as hormonal imbalances, stress, significant weight loss, or even more serious conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Recognizing amenorrhea allows healthcare professionals to approach diagnosis and treatment comprehensively.

The other terms offered relate to menstrual conditions but do not refer to the absence of periods. Dysmenorrhea involves painful menstruation, menorrhagia refers to abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding, and oligomenorrhea indicates infrequent menstrual periods. Each of these terms highlights different menstrual-related issues that are important for understanding female reproductive health.