Clinical Diagnosis · Reproductive System · Medium
Amenorrhoea
Meaning: Absence of menstrual periods, classed as primary if they never started or secondary if they have stopped.
In practice: Pregnancy is the first cause to exclude; PCOS, hypothyroidism, stress and low energy availability in athletes are other causes.
Word parts
- -rrhoea means flow or discharge
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related clinical diagnosis words.
Which word means: An unpleasant, abnormal sensation, either spontaneous or provoked by touch.
Answer: Dysaesthesia
Which word means: A localised area of reduced or absent vision within an otherwise normal visual field.
Answer: Scotoma
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