Small-boned and thin women are at greater risk. Also, women who stop menstruating before menopause due to anorexia, bulimia or excessive physical exercise may lose bone tissue and develop osteoporosis. Young women whose mothers have a history of vertebral fractures also seem to experience reduced bone mass. Back To Top Understanding Bone Health Bones provide structural support for muscles, protect vital organs and store calcium essential for bone density and strength. Bone is complex, living tissue.
Bone cells called osteoclasts dissolve old bone cells, leaving small cavities.
Bone cells called osteoblasts line these cavities with a soft honeycomb of protein fibers that become hardened by mineral deposits. A complete cycle of bone remodeling takes two to three months. While you're young, your body produces new bone faster than it dissolves old bone, thus increasing your bone mass. Your peak bone density is reached in your mid 30s. After that point, bone remodeling continues, but your bones begin to break down faster than new bone can be formed.