Youth Hub

Bone health is an important part of your general health. Certain conditions and medications can lead to poor bone health in young adults. These issues need to be investigated by your doctor. If required, further steps will be taken to protect your bone health to avoid more serious problems later in life.

 

Bone facts

• Peak bone mass is achieved during your twenties
• The growth spurt during puberty is an important time for bone development
• Calcium, vitamin D and exercise are all important for growing and maintaining bones

Did you know?

There are 206 bones in the body. Bone is living tissue which is broken down and rebuilt in an ongoing cycle by special cells in the body (known as osteoblast and osteoclast). This keeps bones healthy and helps them heal if they fracture.

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones can fracture more easily than normal bone, for example, after having a minor bump or minor fall. While the condition is mainly associated with adults aged over 50 years, it can affect young people depending on certain risk factors (explained below).

A close-up image inside bones reveals a matrix-style structure which is dense in healthy bones.

Poor bone health and osteoporosis in younger adults

• Anorexia nervosa
• Undiagnosed coeliac disease
• Certain breast cancer treatments
• Early menopause
• Low testosterone
• Certain thyroid conditions
• Severe lack of calcium in the daily diet
• Very low vitamin D levels
• Childhood asthma that requires ongoing use of corticosteroids
• Certain medications for epilepsy
• Smoking / excessive alcohol intake

These specific risk factors should lead to a discussion with a GP or specialist about any potential impact on your bone health.

If required, a bone density scan or blood test may be arranged by your doctor to review your bone health. Further action may be taken to protect your bone health, depending on the results.

Hear from young adults sharing personal experiences about their bone health.