NCC Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner (WHNP) Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Master Your Certification!

The term that describes the absence of menstruation for a duration of six months is secondary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea refers to a condition where a woman who has been having regular menstrual cycles experiences a cessation of menstruation for three consecutive cycles or for six months. This can be caused by various factors, including hormonal imbalances, stress, significant weight loss, or medical conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders.

In contrast, primary amenorrhea refers to the absence of menstruation in an individual who has not started menstruating by the age of 16 or after the onset of secondary sexual characteristics, indicating a delay in the menarche process. Menorrhagia describes heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, while metrorrhagia refers to irregular bleeding between periods. Understanding these definitions is crucial for recognizing patterns and diagnosing menstrual disorders effectively.