Amenorrhea

          The absence of menstrual periods is called amen­orrhea Primary amenorrhea is the failure to start having a period by the ale of 16. Secondary amenorrhea is more com- mon and refers to either the temporary or permanent ending of periods in a woman who has menstruated normally m the past Many women miss a period occasionally. Amenorrhea occurs a woman misses three or more periods m a row. of menstrual periods is a symptom, not a disease. While the averageagethat menstruation begins is 12, the rangevanes. The incidence of primary amenorrhea m the United States just 2 5% Some female athletes who participate in rowing long distance running, and cycling, may notice a few missed periods. Women athletes at a particular risk fordevelop> g amenorrhea include ballerinas and gymnasts, who typically exercise strenuously and eat poorly.