Post-menopausal women and osteoporosis: available choices for maintenance of skeletal health.
OBJECTIVE
To briefly summarize the therapeutic choices for osteoporosis prevention which are currently available to post-menopausal women.


METHODS
Results of randomized clinical trials and epidemiological studies in postmenopausal women, and pre-clinical studies in ovariectomized rats were summarized.


RESULTS
Estrogen combined with progestogen in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is effective in relieving perimenopausal symptoms and maintaining bone mineral density. However, the increased breast cancer risk associated with long-term HRT use makes it a less desirable option for many women. Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), such as raloxifene, are also effective in maintaining bone density, without stimulating the breast or uterus. However, SERMs do not relieve perimenopausal hot flashes.


CONCLUSIONS
HRT is effective for acute relief of perimenopausal symptoms, but for women who are unwilling or unable to take HRT long-term, SERMs such as raloxifene are a useful therapy for the prevention of osteoporosis.
Termine
J D
JD
Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
Wong
M
M
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy; D006801:Humans; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D051381:Rats
D004965:Estrogen Antagonists