Estrogen reduces the rapid bone loss of the early menopausal years and has some ability to re­build bone. If you decide to take estrogen, keep in mind that it doesn't promote strength, balance or muscle mass—all of which can help to improve your risk of falling and suffering a fracture. Those benefits come with exercise, the second leg of the stool.

Weight-bearing exercise, in which you carry your own weight— as in walking, running or stair climbing—is important in childhood when bones are being built. Once you've reached your peak bone mass, exercise helps keep bones strong. Studies have shown that postmenopausal women who exercise with weights twice a week can preserve bone density, become stronger and have greater bal­ance than their sedentary counterparts.

Strong back muscles can prevent the spinal compression fractures that lead to loss in height and stooped posture in osteoporosis victims.

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