Final answer:
A 64-year-old woman with a BMD T-score of -2.5 is likely experiencing osteoporosis, a condition marked by reduced bone density, which is common after menopause due to hormonal changes. Bone mass peaks by age 30 and can be maximized through proper nutrition and exercise.
Step-by-step explanation:
A 64-year-old woman has presented to her physician's office with lower back pain and has been found to have a bone mass density (BMD) T-score of -2.5. This is indicative of osteoporosis, which is an age-related disorder characterized by a reduction in bone density and strength. Peak bone mass is typically achieved by the age of 30, and after this, particularly in women, bone mass decreases. Women experience a more rapid loss of bone mass than men, especially after menopause, around the age of 50, due to a decline in estrogen production that affects osteoblastic activity and bone matrix formation. Preventive measures, including adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D and engaging in weight-bearing exercise, should begin in childhood to maximize bone mass and diminish the risk of osteoporosis later in life.