Amenorrhoea (BE), amenorrhea (AmE), or amenorrhœa, is the absence of a menstrual perio in a woman of reproductive age. Physiologic states of amenorrhoea are seen during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding), the latter also forming the basis of a form of contraception known as the lactational amenorrhea method. Outside of the reproductive years there is absence of menses during childhood and after menopause.