By Pamela D. Wilson, The Care Navigator, CSA, MS, BS/BA, CG

Women's health issues have been receiving increased attention due to many ongoing studies. Heart disease is frequently under diagnosed in women. Now, according to a study funded by the National Institute of Health and the National Institute of Mental Health, pre-menopausal women with even mild depression have less bone mass than their non-depressed peers. The level of bone loss associated with depression is at least as high as that associated with the recognized risk factors for osteoporosis, including smoking, low calcium intake and lack of physical activity. Blood and urine samples also showed that depressed women have imbalances in immune system substances. (www.nih.gov/news)

Read more: Mild Depression Causes Bone Loss in Women