Final answer:
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding in young women, particularly those on a strict vegan diet, can lead to iron-deficiency anemia due to abnormal and heavy menstrual bleeding. During menopausal transition, a decline in progesterone can result in endometrial hyperplasia, raising the risk of endometrial cancer. Uterine fibroids and endometriosis are other conditions associated with menstrual irregularities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Adolescents and young women with dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) experience abnormal uterine bleeding that is not caused by a tumor, infection, or pregnancy. One of the concerns for women with this condition, particularly those following a strict vegan diet, is the risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia due to the loss of blood during periods. Without adequate iron, which is commonly obtained from animal foods, they may not be able to replace the red blood cells lost during menstruation. Furthermore, a lack of sufficient nutrients in a vegan diet, such as B12 and iron, which are essential for hematopoiesis, can exacerbate the condition.Changes during the menopausal transition, or peri-menopause, can cause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and irregular bleeding. During this time, the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer increases due to decreased progesterone levels, even though estrogen levels may remain nearly unchanged. Conditions such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis can also cause heavy bleeding and other menstrual irregularities.