Final answer:
Peak bone mass typically occurs around the age of 30 and declines thereafter, with this decline being more pronounced in women, particularly after menopause due to lower estrogen levels.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peak bone mass typically occurs when individuals are around 30 years old. This is the point at which bones have reached their maximum strength and density. Notably, bone density begins to decrease thereafter, and it is especially noticeable in individuals with XX chromosomes, largely due to the hormonal changes associated with menopause. A graph illustrating this shows bone density peaking at about 30 and then declining, with women experiencing a more rapid loss of bone mass relative to men starting around age 50.
The hormone estrogen plays a vital role in promoting osteoblastic activity and the production of bone matrix, and after menopause, the reduced estrogen levels lead to a decreased rate of bone formation and an increased rate of bone resorption. Hence, the risk of osteoporosis increases significantly in post-menopausal years. To combat this, it is advisable to focus on good nutrition, adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, and weight-bearing exercise from an early age to help maximize bone mass before reaching 30 years of age.