Skeletonbone size and sturdiness vary between males and females.
Bone structure differences start as early as childhood.
However, females have stronger pelvises because of their distinct ability to carry a child and experience childbirth.
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
Females are also more vulnerable to certainbone diseases, likeosteoarthritis,osteoporosis, andinflammatory arthritis.
Read on to find out about bone structure differences and bone disease risk for men and women.
- Sex refers to biology: chromosomal makeup, hormones, and anatomy.
These differences become evident at birth and continue throughout childhood.
Further and more significant bone structure differences will emerge when puberty starts.
Bone growth patterns in puberty in boys are different than in girls.
This condition causes bones to become weak, brittle, and more prone to fractures (bone breaks).
It was determined a 10% increase in peak bone mass would delay osteoporosis by 13 years.
This is the reason fractures are more common in the teenage years.
During this time, bone mass lags behind in bone length, leaving the bone temporarily weak.
That risk has a lot to do with bone growth patterns and gender differences in physical activity (i.e.
sports) and risk-taking.
Another consideration of bone growth in boys istestosteronethe major sex hormone in maleswhich helps to improve bone size.
On the other hand,estrogenthe major sex hormone in femalesreduces bone growth while regulating levels of bone mineral.
Male vs.
Female Skeletons
Differences that exist in bone structure between men and women are often prominent.
For example, women are shorter, and gender height differences are common around the world.
Globally, women are about 4 1/2 inches shorter than men.
Differences also exist in the elbows, shoulders, fingers, and thigh bones.
Male vs.
This size difference is especially evident in cranial capacity (males have a larger average brain volume).
Female skulls are typically rounder and smoother, with less prominent brows and jawlines.
Women also have wider pelvises and torsos in comparison to men.
Researchers can determine whether a skeleton is male or female by measuring hip bones alone.
The pelvis is shaped and sized so that it has the potential for childbirth.
In addition, they lose bone at a faster rate.
Another factor in bone health for women as they get older is pregnancy.
This is because pregnancy increases the need for calciumfor building the fetus’s skeleton and during breastfeeding.
The cause of this condition is the loss of calcium, which can be common as people age.
But for some people, this process occurs much quicker and puts them at risk for osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis causes bones to thin and weaken over time, making them vulnerable to fractures.
Much like osteopenia, osteoporosis affects both men and women.
Estrogen deficiency also plays a part in osteoporosis development in women and at younger ages than men.
After age 50, women will have more fractures than men because of bone loss.
Additionally, women tend to have more severe OA compared to men.
The risk of OA shoots up right aftermenopausethe time in a womans life when her periods stop.
Because testosterone is produced in the ovaries, menopause means lower testosterone levels.
The reduced levels further increase their risk for OA.
OAs connection to biomechanics has to do with the unique function of womens joints.
Women tend to get inflammatory arthritis more often than men do.
Researchers also know that estrogen heightens B cellscells known for causing dysfunction in the immune system.
Genetics might be able to explain some of the differences in risk for inflammatory arthritis between men and women.
A 2023 article in theJournal of Autoimmunitysuggests X chromosomes play a part in the development of autoimmune diseases.
Because women have two, their risk for these types of conditions is greater compared to men.
Your healthcare provider might recommend vitamin D and calcium supplements.
Summary
It is believed that bone size and sturdiness vary between the sexes due to hormonal differences.
Pregnancy can also be a factor in maintaining bone health throughout life.
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