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Bone mass gain during puberty and adolescence: deconstructing gender characteristics
F R Pérez-López1, P Chedraui, J L Cuadros-López
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Facultad de Medicina, Domingo Miral s/n, Zaragoza 50009, Spain. faustino.perez@unizar.es
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|December 18, 2009
Summary
Achieving peak bone mass during adolescence is crucial for osteoporosis prevention. Hormonal balance, nutrition, exercise, and avoiding harmful substances are key for young women
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Pediatrics
- Bone Health
Background:
- Primary osteoporosis prevention requires maximizing bone mass acquisition before late adolescence.
- Pubertal bone acquisition differs between genders, with males achieving greater skeletal mass due to endocrine regulation.
- Hormonal factors like gonadal steroids, growth hormone, and insulin growth factor-1 significantly influence bone mass development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of early bone mass acquisition for osteoporosis prevention.
- To underscore the role of endocrine factors and lifestyle in achieving peak bone mass.
- To identify key determinants of bone health during adolescence.
Main Methods:
- Review of endocrine and lifestyle factors influencing bone mass acquisition.
- Analysis of the relationship between hormonal functioning, nutrition, physical activity, and bone status.
- Consideration of factors affecting menstrual regularity as a marker for bone health.
Main Results:
- Males achieve greater peak bone mass than females during puberty, influenced by endocrine factors.
- Menstrual history serves as a surrogate marker for hormonal adequacy, nutrition, and physical activity in young women.
- Adequate hormonal levels, growth factors, leptin, regular exercise, and healthy body composition are essential for peak bone mass.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing bone mass acquisition during adolescence is critical for primary osteoporosis prevention.
- A holistic approach considering hormonal health, nutrition, physical activity, and avoidance of detrimental substances is necessary.
- Monitoring menstrual regularity can provide insights into a young woman's bone health trajectory.
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