Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 3 hrs ago
Resistance training may support bone and muscle health during menopause
As estrogen levels fall during menopause, bone density can decline and fracture risk can rise.
Research suggests resistance training, which works muscles against a load such as weights or body weight, may help support bone density and muscle strength.
A review of 80 studies involving 5,581 postmenopausal women found favorable effects on bone density in the lower spine, hip and upper thigh.
A separate 20-week study found that women who completed weight training gained strength in squats and bench presses, though muscle-mass changes varied.
Building strength can support everyday tasks such as getting out of a chair, carrying bags and climbing stairs, while balance exercises may help address fall risk.
Starting gradually and adapting the routine to a person's mobility, fitness and health history can help limit discomfort or injury as they build up activity.
Resistance training may help preserve muscle strength and bone mineral density during and after menopause.
A review of 80 studies involving 5,581 postmenopausal participants found favorable effects on bone density in the lumbar spine, femoral neck and hip.
A separate 20-week study found gains in squat and bench-press strength among participants who completed a free-weight program.
The article says exercise can be adapted to a person’s physical condition and history, and recommends gradual progression.
- Who
- The story concerns women during and after menopause. The studies included postmenopausal participants and women before and after menopause.
- What
- Research suggests resistance training may support bone density and muscle strength.
- When
- The article was published on October 18, 2026. The studies covered interventions of 20 weeks and 12 months.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- Menopause-related estrogen reduction can affect bone tissue, and resistance exercise may help preserve bone density and muscle strength.
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- Review participants
- 5,581 postmenopausal participants across 80 studies
- Bone sites
- Lumbar spine, femoral neck and hip
- Free-weight program
- 20 weeks
- Older women’s study
- Five postmenopausal women; mean age 75.6
- Progressive resistance program
- 12 months