Men vs Women: The Real Difference in Our Bones

When it comes to the human skeleton, men and women share the same essential framework – 206 bones, give or take a few extra sesamoids. But look a little closer and you’ll spot some fascinating differences shaped by biology, hormones and evolution. 

These variations don’t just influence how we move; they also impact long-term health, risk of injury and even how we respond to chiropractic care. 

Let’s dive into the real, research-backed difference in male and female bones. 

1. Size, Density & Strength: Why Men Tend to Have Heavier Skeletons 

Research consistently shows that men generally have larger, denser bones than women. A major study published in The Lancet found that male bone mineral density (BMD) is significantly higher across most of adulthood. 

Why? 

• Testosterone stimulates stronger, thicker bone formation.
• Muscle mass (typically higher in men) puts mechanical stress on bone, stimulating growth. 
• Bone geometry differs – men tend to have thicker cortical bone (the touch outer layer). 

For women, the challenge comes later in life. After menopause, oestrogen levels drop sharply. Oestrogen is vital for bone preservation, so women experience accelerated bone loss – explaining why osteoporosis rates are far higher in UK women, particularly after age 50. 

According to the Royal Osteoporosis Society: 

• 1 in 2 women over 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture
• Compared with 1 in 5 men.

2. Shape & Structure: Purpose built Skeletons

The Pelvis 

One of the clearest differences is our pelvis. 

• Women have a broader, wider pelvis to support pregnancy and childbirth. 
• Men have a narrower, taller pelvis, optimised for running efficiency and load transfer. 

This affects more than childbirth: pelvic shape influences gait, posture and spinal loading – all key considerations in chiropractic care.

Skulls

Anthropologists can identify sex from a skull with around 90% accuracy. 

• Male skulls often show heavier brow ridges and squarer jaws. 
• Female skulls usually have smoother contours and a sharper orbital margin. 

These differences arise due to hormone-driven bone development during puberty. 

3. Hormones: The Silent Architects of Bone Health 

Oestrogen 

• Vital for strength in both sexes – but women understandably rely on it more. 
• Low oestrogen = increased bone turnover = reduced bone density. 

Testosterone 

• Supports bone and muscle mass. 

Some testosterone converts into oestrogen in men, offering additional bone protection – one reason men lose bone more slowly with age. 

4. Injury Patterns: Why Fractures Look Different Between Men & Women 

UK Hospital data shows clear patterns: 

• Younger men sustain more fractures from sport, work accidents and high-impact activities.
• Women over 50 are far more likely to experience wrist, spine and hip fractures linked to osteoporosis. 

A study published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology found that vertebral compression fracture – often silent but serious – occur twice as often in women. 

5. The Spine: Subtle Differences with Big Impacts 

Women tend to have: 

• A deeper lumbar curve (lordosis) 
• Slightly smaller vertebrae 
• Spinal adaptations to support pregnancy-related load and abdominal mass shift. 

Men typically have: 

• Straighter lumbar spines 
• Larger vertebral body size. 

These small differences influence: 

• Posture
• Back pain patterns 
• Core stability 
• How the spine responds to adjustments and manual therapy. 

6. Chiropractic Perspective: Why Sex Differences Matter Clinically 

As chiropractors, we regularly consider anatomical differences when assessing a patient’s spine, posture and biomechanics. 

Women may present with: 

• Increased lumbar lordosis
• Pelvic rotation often linked to childbirth history 
• Greater joint hypermobility (supported by UK research on collagen differences) 
• Higher risk of osteoporotic vertebral changes later in life. 

These factors often mean adjusting our technique, force and positioning. 

Men may show: 

• Stiffer joints due to higher muscle mass. 
• Heavier spinal loading 
• Greater thoracic (mid back) rigidity
• Different injury patterns from high-impact sports or manual labour. 

Chiropractic care often helps both groups improve mobility, reduce pain and optimise alignment – but the approach is rarely identical. 

7. Supporting Bone Health in the UK: What Really Helps 

Weight-bearing exercise 

• Resistance training is one of the strongest evidence-backed ways to maintain bone density. 

Vitamin D (often low in the UK!) 

• The NHS recommends supplementation for most adults, especially during autumn and winter. 

Calcium-rich foods

• Milk, yogurt, leafy greens, sardines, fortified plant milks. 

Regular spinal check-ups 

• Chiropractors can help identify changes in posture, movement patterns and spinal loading that may contribute to long-term stress on the joints. 

Final Thoughts 

Men and women may share much of the same structure, but the differences in bone density, shape, hormone influence and spinal mechanics are far from trivial. 

Understanding these variations helps explain: 

Different injury risks

• Why osteoporosis impacts sexes unequally
• How your chiropractic care is personalised
• Why posture, strength and movement matter at every stage of life. 

Understanding your body is the first step towards taking control of your long-term health. 

If you’d like tailored advice or a spinal check-up, feel free to get in touch – your spine will thank you. 

With love, 

Sophie