Do you enjoy an occasional glass of wine with dinner or a nightcap? Your moderate drinking may benefit your bones. Recent research in Menopause shows that moderate drinking (1-2 drinks/day) increases bone mineral density by slowing bone loss a bit in menopausal women.

But do alcohol and menopause really mix? You’ve probably heard that moderate drinking is good for your heart. But you’ve probably also heard that it’s a danger for breast cancer and that it might trigger hot flashes. There is a balance of risks and benefits that you will have to consider before ordering that drink.

The most important thing is how much you drink. The benefits come with moderate—big emphasis on moderate—drinking. Heavy drinking can actually lead to osteoporosis that cannot be reversed. It’s also a risk for fractures.

If you drink alcohol, enjoy yourself, but make sure your drinking is light to moderate.