Home › Resource Hub › Youth Hub 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 heath to avoid more serious problems later in life. Bone facts Peak bone mass is achieved during your twentiesGrowth spurt during puberty is an important time for bone developmentCalcium, vitamin D and exercise are all important for growing and maintaining bones Did you know? There are 206 bones in the body – the smallest is in the ear and the largest is in the leg. Bone is living tissue and is being broken down and rebuilt in an ongoing cycle by special cells in the body. This keeps bones healthy and helps them heal if they fracture or break. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones can fracture more easily than normal bone, for example after having a minor bump or fall. While the condition is mainly associated with adults later in life it can affect young people depending on certain risk factors. Poor bone health and osteoporosis in younger adults There are specific health conditions and medications that can directly lead to osteoporosis in younger people. These include: Anorexia nervosaUndiagnosed coeliac diseaseCertain breast cancer treatmentsEarly menopause or low testosteroneCertain thyroid conditionsSevere lack of calcium in the daily diet or very low vitamin D levelsChildhood asthma that requires ongoing use of corticosteroidsCertain medications for epilepsySmoking / 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. Depending on the results further action may be taken to protect your bone health. Hear from some young adults sharing personal experiences about their bone health. “Check your bone health now!” Online self-assessment to review risk factors for poor bone health. Developed by Healthy Bones Australia and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. Start Assessment Now