Word parts
What it means
No periods. Primary amenorrhea means periods have not started by age 15. Secondary amenorrhea means periods that had started stop for three months or more. Pregnancy is the most common cause; others are breastfeeding, menopause, very low body weight, intense exercise, stress, thyroid problems and some drugs.
For the nurse
Ask about pregnancy first, then about diet, weight change, exercise, stress and medicines.
At a glance
| Spanish | amenorrea |
|---|---|
| Also written | amenorrhoea |
Related terms
a-
A word beginning that means without, not or absence of; written an- before a vowel.
menstruation
The monthly shedding of the lining of the uterus, which leaves the body as blood through the vagina.
puberty
The stage of growth when a child's body matures into an adult body able to reproduce.
ovulation
The release of a mature egg from an ovary, usually once in each menstrual cycle.