cryptomenorrhea /krip′tōmenôrē″ə/ [Gk, kryptos + L, mens, month; Gk, rhoia, flow] , an abnormal condition in which the products of menstruation are retained within the vagina because of an imperforate hymen or, less often, within the uterus because of an occlusion of the cervical canal. Cryptomenorrhea is usually accompanied by subjective symptoms of menstruation with scant or absent flow and sometimes by severe pain. If the flow is completely obstructed, uterotubal reflux of menstrual flow into the pelvic cavity may cause peritonitis, pain, adhesions, and endometriosis. −cryptomenorrheal, adj.
