Depending on your needs, your provider may prescribe more than one medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
Hormone therapy can ease postmenopausal symptoms. It may also be prescribed to help preserve bone density. Hormones may be in pill or skin patch form.
Benefits may include:
Reducing bone loss
Increasing bone density in the hip and spine
Side effects may include:
Nausea
Breakthrough bleeding, bloating, and weight gain
Breast tenderness
High blood pressure
Increased risk of blood clots in the legs and of certain cancers
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are taken as pills.
Preventing bone loss
Reducing risk of spinal fracture
Hot flashes
Leg cramps
Increased risk of blood clots in the legs
Calcitonin is a nasal spray and can be an alternative to the other medications. It may not be as effective and does not prevent osteoporosis.
Slowing bone loss
Increasing bone density in the spine
Swelling, tenderness, or irritation inside the nose
Nasal congestion and runny nose
Publication Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Online Source: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Date Last Reviewed: 2007-01-15T00:00:00-07:00
Date Last Modified: 2004-05-03T00:00:00-06:00
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