Peak Bone Mass

Our bones are a living tissue and are in a constant state of change. Old bone cells are being absorbed into the body and new bone cells are being produced. In fact the adult skeleton is replaced every 7 years.

During the first two decades of life, there is a continual increase in bone mass, due to the bone formation phase occurring at a faster rate than bone resorption. By approximately 20 years of age, our bones have reached their peak bone mass (density) and strength.

For the next 15 years the bone mass remains constant as bone resorption occurs at the same rate as bone formation.

From about 40 years onward, bone resorption occurs at a faster rate than bone formation and there is a resultant loss of bone mass. In women, rate is accelerated through the first five years of the menopause.