Amenorrhea is the medical term for missed menstrual periods. Pronounced uh-men-o-REE-uh, the condition refers to young girls who haven’t begun menstruating by the time they are 15, as well as to older women who miss three or more menstrual cycles.
The most common way that you’ll miss menstruating regularly is if you’re pregnant. When you have amenorrhea and pregnancy, it isn’t a problem, but it still carries the name. The same is true of women who’ve gone through menopause. So amenorrhea is normal (and desirable) if you’re pregnant or menopausal. Amenorrhea should always be evaluated with a thorough consultation and examination by a physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan as it may be a symptom or sign of a serious illness or condition.