Amenorrhea refers to which of the following?

• A. Heavy menstrual bleeding
• B. Absence of menstrual periods
• C. Painful periods
• D. Irregular periods

Answer: (B)

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstrual periods. This directly matches the definition, making the description of no menses the correct choice. The other terms describe different menstrual disturbances: heavy bleeding is menorrhagia, painful periods are dysmenorrhea, and irregular periods refer to an irregular or infrequent cycle (oligomenorrhea), not a complete absence. There are two main forms—primary and secondary amenorrhea—depending on whether menstruation has ever occurred or has stopped after it began.