Teen Age Years
 During teenage years your skeleton is actively growing and getting bigger and stronger. At the end of your teens bone growth has been completed. This stage represents a time when bone has achieved its’ “peak bone mass”. Peak bone mass generally means your bones are at their ‘strongest’. The higher the peak bone mass, the greater protection your skeleton has against the effects of ageing. Therefore it is vital that during your teen years you attain a high peak bone mass to withstand the effects of age related bone loss and osteoporosis.
Learn more... |
|
20s to 40s
 Life can be hectic in your twenties, thirties and forties with friends, family, and work commitments. If you did not think much about the state of your bones before, now is a good time to begin. Bone growth is nearly complete by the end of puberty, with only a small increase in bone strength occurring after the late teenage years. From the mid 30s on there is a mismatch between bone production and bone breakdown.
Learn more... |
| |
|
|
Midlife
 From the mid 30s onwards, bone loss starts to increase more than bone gain. It is part of the normal ageing process that bones lose their mineral (calcium) and collagen (protein) content. As midlife continues and women experience menopause the process of bone loss is further accelerated. (Menopause is when a woman stops menstruating and is a natural part of life. It usually occurs between 48-55 years of age with the average age of menopause about 51 years. Although some women can experience menopause at an earlier age).
Learn more... |
|
Older Years
 Women can expect to lose around 1% of their bone mineral density each year in the years beyond their menopause. This means that you are likely to develop osteoporosis into old age. Older women need to consider having discussions with their doctor to find out ways to improve their bone health and whether they need specific investigations for osteoporosis.
Learn more... |
Content updated July 27, 2009
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 27 July 2009 )
|
Life Stages 
