peak bone density
Last reviewed 07/2021
Bone mass increases rapidly during childhood and adolescence to 90% of adult levels. It reaches a peak in the third decade (the peak bone mass or peak bone density), then plateaus and finally starts to decrease (1).
- in women, bone density remains stable for the next 10-15 years after the peak bone mass
- bone loss in the hip usually starts premenopausally, usually in the fourth or fifth decade
- spinal bone loss before the menopause is less well established.
- in men, bone loss probably starts in the fifth decade.
Genetic factors account for 80% of the peak bone mass.
Environmental factors include:
- smoking - reduces peak bone mass
- weight-bearing exercise - increases peak bone mass
- high calcium intake - may increase peak bone mass
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