Secondary amenorrhea occurs after how many consecutive months of ceased menstruation?

Secondary amenorrhea is defined as the absence of menstruation for a period of six consecutive months in a woman who has previously had regular menstrual cycles. This condition typically arises when a woman has had at least one menstrual period and then experiences a significant change in her menstrual patterns. Factors such as stress, significant weight loss or gain, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions can contribute to this cessation of menstruation.

The reason six months is the standard timeframe is that it allows for the exclusion of temporary fluctuations that can occur due to various factors. If menstruation has not resumed after this duration, it is generally considered secondary amenorrhea and warrants further medical evaluation to determine underlying causes.