What does 'oligomenorrhea' refer to?

Oligomenorrhea refers to infrequent or irregular menstrual cycles, which is why this answer is correct. This condition is characterized by a longer than typical interval between menstrual periods—usually defined as having cycles that occur more than 35 days apart, but less than 90 days. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, or underlying health conditions. Understanding oligomenorrhea is essential because it can impact reproductive health and may indicate other health issues that need to be addressed.

The other choices define different menstrual irregularities or conditions. For instance, absent menses refers specifically to amenorrhea, while frequent menstrual cycles describe a condition called polymenorrhea. Heavy menstrual bleeding is known as menorrhagia, a separate issue altogether. Knowing the correct terminology helps in recognizing and understanding women's health conditions better.