Causes of low peak bone mass in women.

Peak bone mass is the maximum bone mass that accrues during growth and development. Consolidation of peak bone mass normally occurs during early adulthood. Low peak bone mass results from failure to achieve peak bone mass genetic potential, primarily due to bone loss caused by a variety of conditions or processes occurring at younger ages than usual. Recognized causes of low peak bone mass include genetic causes, endocrine disorders, nutritional disorders, chronic diseases of childhood or adolescence, medications, and idiopathic factors.