What is secondary amenorrhea?

Secondary amenorrhea may be said to occur when a woman has had at least one menstrual cycle and then stops menstruating for six months, or three months if her period had been regular prior to its absence. It is normal for a woman to experience a lack of menstruation when pregnant or breastfeeding or after going through menopause. Secondary amenorrhea is often due to an underlying cause, such as polycystic ovary syndrome. If you have had regular menstrual cycles and experience missed periods for three months, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about secondary amenorrhea.