Hormone-related therapy for Osteoporosis (part 6)

Estrogen, especially when started soon after menopause, can help maintain bone density. However, estrogen therapy can increase the risk of breast cancer and blood clots, which can cause strokes. Therefore, estrogen is typically used for bone health in younger women or in women whose menopausal symptoms also require treatment.

Raloxifene (Evista) mimics estrogen's beneficial effects on bone density in postmenopausal women, without some of the risks associated with estrogen. Taking this drug can reduce the risk of some types of breast cancer. Hot flashes are a possible side effect. Raloxifene also may increase your risk of blood clots.

In men, osteoporosis might be linked with a gradual age-related decline in testosterone levels. Testosterone replacement therapy can help improve symptoms of low testosterone.

Bone-building medications:

• Teriparatide (Bonsity, Forteo) is powerful drug is similar to parathyroid hormone and stimulates new bone growth. It's given by daily injection under the skin for up to two years.
• Abaloparatide (Tymlos) is another drug similar to parathyroid hormone. This drug can be taken for only two years.
• Romosozumab (Evenity) is the newest bone-building medication to treat osteoporosis. It is given as an injection every month at your doctor's office and is limited to one year of treatment.    -Courtesy: Mayo Clinic