Definition

Noun: - Cessation of menstruation in a woman who had previously menstruated: Secondary amenorrhea is a medical condition defined by the absence of menstrual periods for at least three cycles or six months in a woman who has previously had regular periods.

Usage

• This term is used in medical and clinical contexts to diagnose and discuss a specific type of menstrual disorder.
• It is distinguished from , which is when a woman has never menstruated.

Examples

• The patient was diagnosed with secondary amenorrhea after reporting no periods for eight months despite having a regular cycle previously.
• Common causes of secondary amenorrhea include stress, significant weight loss, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions.
• The doctor ordered tests to determine the underlying reason for her secondary amenorrhea.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often modified by specifying the suspected or confirmed cause (e.g., "stress-induced secondary amenorrhea," "secondary amenorrhea due to polycystic ovary syndrome").
• In medical literature, it is frequently discussed in relation to fertility, bone health, and overall endocrine function.

Variants and Related Words

• Amenorrhea (n): The broader medical term for the absence of menstruation. Secondary amenorrhea is a sub-type.
• Primary amenorrhea (n): The failure to begin menstruation by age 15 or within five years of breast development.

Synonyms

• Absent periods (n): A less technical term for the cessation of menstruation.
• Cessation of menses (n): A formal description of the condition.

Related Phrases

• To be diagnosed with secondary amenorrhea: The common phrasing for receiving this medical diagnosis.
• To investigate secondary amenorrhea: Refers to the medical process of finding the cause.

Noun

1. cessation of menstruation in a woman who had previously menstruated