Effects of the menstrual cycle on the acquisition of peak bone mass

The menstrual cycle has huge implications on the building, maintenance, and break down of skeletal bone in women. Due to the fluctuating level of female hormones, the menstrual cycle plays a different role during various times of the month which in turn affects bone health. Estrogen is a crucial hormone for bone turnover/remodeling which, when released, provides a protective mechanism against the process of natural bone loss due to aging. Acquiring a high amount of peak bone mass during adolescence helps to protect the female athlete against rapid degradation of bone due to the decline of estrogen around menopause. Therefore, taking appropriate steps years before and after menopause is crucial in order to preserve bone mass in females.