The amount of bone present in the skeletal structure is bone mass. The higher the bone density generally, is, the stronger are the bones. By genetic factors Bone density is greatly influenced, which in turn are sometimes modified by environmental factors and medications. Men have a higher bone density than women For example,. African Americans have a higher bone density than Caucasian or Asian Americans.
Bone density normally, accumulates during childhood and reaches a peak by around age 25. Bone density is then maintained for about ten years. Both men and women will normally lose 0.3% to 0.5% of their bone density per year as part of the aging process, After age 35
In women Estrogen is important in maintaining bone density. When estrogen levels drop after menopause, bone loss accelerates. During the first five to ten years after menopause, women can suffer up to two to four percent loss of bone density per year! During that time period This can result in the loss of up to 25 to 30% of their bone density. Accelerated bone loss after menopause is a major cause of osteoporosis in women.
