What condition is characterized by the absence of menstruation after the age of 16?

• A. Secondary amenorrhea
• B. Primary amenorrhea
• C. Menorrhagia
• D. Dysmenorrhea

Answer: (B)

The condition characterized by the absence of menstruation after the age of 16 is primary amenorrhea. This condition is defined as the failure to start menstruating by age 15 or 16 in the presence of secondary sexual characteristics or by age 13 if there are no secondary sexual characteristics present. Primary amenorrhea may be due to a variety of causes such as genetic disorders, hormonal imbalances, or anatomical abnormalities.

In contrast, secondary amenorrhea refers to the cessation of menstruation for more than three consecutive cycles in a woman who has previously had regular menstrual cycles. Menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea refer to issues related to the volume and pain of menstruation, respectively, rather than the absence of menstruation. Therefore, the context of the question aligns specifically with the definition and implications of primary amenorrhea.