Maintaining Proper Bone Health

Generally speaking, women have smaller skeletons than men, but there are only small differences when it comes to bone density.

Different life stages that are unique to women - such as pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause - can all affect bone density. Lifestyle choices like diet and some medications and health conditions can also play a part in a woman's bone health.

According to Latasha N. Murphy, M.D., a skilled gynecologist and surgeon at The Gynecology Center at Mercy Medical Center, physical activity is also important.

"Exercise can impact bone health. People who have a sedentary lifestyle are much more likely to have osteoporosis or weakened bones. And weight can play a role. Women who are -- and even men who are -- underweight can have significant bone loss," Dr. Murphy said.

Weight-training or resistance training is just as important as moving because the ability to build bone and maintain bone density depends on the way that stress is applied to the bone, and it's important that your weight-training increases in difficulty over time.

View Dr. Latasha Murphy's interview regarding women and bone health.