β-Ecdysone Augments Peak Bone Mass in Mice of Both Sexes

Background One of the strongest predictors for osteoporosis is peak bone mass. Interventions to augment peak bone mass have yet to be developed. β-Ecdysone (βEcd), a natural steroid-like compound produced by arthropods to initiate metamorphosis, is believed to have androgenic effects and so may be used to augment bone mass.