What health condition is characterized by a loss of menstruation in women?

Amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation in women. It can manifest as a primary condition, where menstruation never begins during puberty, or as a secondary condition, where menstruation ceases after having started. This loss of the menstrual cycle can occur for a variety of reasons, including hormonal imbalances, stress, significant weight changes, or underlying health issues, all of which can significantly impact a woman's health and reproductive capabilities.

In contrast, oligomenorrhea is characterized by infrequent menstrual periods rather than a complete absence, menorrhagia involves heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, and dysmenorrhea describes painful menstruation. Each of these conditions relates to menstrual health but does not specifically indicate a total lack of menstruation, which is the defining feature of amenorrhea.