title: Gynecological care in young women: a high-risk period of life.
abstract: Adolescence has been described as period of life when emotions are heightened and regulatory controls are reduced, and this can result in an escalation in risk-taking. Importantly for younger females, risk behaviors associated with the onset of sexual activity, and alcohol and substance abuse may coincide with pathologies such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and abnormal uterine bleeding, an iron-deficient diet (vegetarian or vegan) and a negative body image leading to eating disorders. Girls transitioning through adolescence face a number of specific emotional and physical issues related to the onset of menarche and regular menstrual cycles. Menstruation combined with these risk behaviors and pathologies, and the rapid growth and development that is taking place, often results in numerous unwanted effects including iron deficiency. A low iron level is the most common cause of anemia in adolescent girls and can be detrimental to mood and cognition as well as physical well-being. In this article we review the impact of menarche, poor nutrition and some of the risk behaviors and pathologies that predispose females to challenges associated with adolescence, including anemia. We also examine factors that need to be taken into consideration during the initial, and follow-up, consultations with young women. Finally, we present some of the latest advice regarding nutrition and oral iron supplementation, particularly extended-release ferrous sulfate with mucoproteose, with a view to minimizing the development and risks of anemia in this vulnerable population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Basel , Switzerland .
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bitzer
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sultan
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Creatsas
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Palacios
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000592:standards; D017195:Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D002648:Child; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Adolescence; anemia; cynecological consultation; polycystic ovary syndrome; risk behaviors