A 16-year-old has not menstruated but has developed pubic hair. This is best described as?

The situation described involves a 16-year-old who has developed pubic hair but has not yet experienced menstruation. This is best classified as primary amenorrhea, which is defined as the absence of menstruation by the age of 15 or within five years of breast development. The presence of secondary sexual characteristics, such as pubic hair, indicates that some level of hormonal activity is occurring, but the lack of menstruation signifies that the individual has not reached menarche, or the onset of menstruation.

Primary amenorrhea can arise for various reasons, including genetic abnormalities, anatomical anomalies, or hormonal imbalances. It is crucial in clinical practice to distinguish primary amenorrhea from other forms of amenorrhea to guide appropriate evaluation and management. In this case, since the individual has never menstruated but has shown signs of puberty, primary amenorrhea is the correct terminology to use.