Amenorrhea is the absence of a menstrual period in a woman of reproductive age. Physiological states of amenorrhea are seen during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

 

Amenorrhea is a symptom with many potential causes.

 

Primary amenorrhea - menstruation cycles never started, may be caused by developmental problems such as the congenital absence of the uterus, failure of the ovary to receive or maintain egg cells, delay in pubertal development.

 

Secondary amenorrhea - menstruation cycles ceasing, is often caused by hormonal disturbances - from premature menopause or intrauterine scar formation. It is the absence of menses for 3 months in a woman with previously normal menstruation or nine months for women with a history of infrequent menstruation.

 

Dysmenorrhea is a medical condition of pain during menstruation that interferes with daily activities.

 

Menstrual pain is often used synonymously with menstrual cramps and menstrual uterine contractions. These are generally higher strength, duration and frequency than in the rest of the menstrual cycle.

 

Dysmenorrhea can feature different kinds of pain, including sharp, throbbing, dull, nauseating, burning, or shooting pain. It may precede menstruation by several days or may accompany it, and it usally subsides as menstruation tapers off. It may coexist with heavy blood loss.