Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)

Common brand names:

• Premarin
• Ogen
• Estrace
• Estraderm
• Estratab

ERT has been used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. ERT has been shown to:

• Lower bone loss
• Raise bone density in the spine and hip
• Lower the chances or breaks in the spine and hip women who have been through menopause

ERTcomes as a pill or skin patch.

ERT may lower your chances of osteoporosis. There may be a strong link between longer term ERT or HRT use and other health problems. These include invasive breast cancer, strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks.

Estrogen and Progestin HRT (Combined HRT)

Common brand names:

• Activella
• Femhrt
• Ortho-Prefest
• Premphase
• Prempro

Combined HRT has been used to prevent and treat osteoporosis. Combined HRT has been shown to:

• Lower bone loss
• Raise bone density in the spine and hip
• Lower the chances or breaks in the spine and hip women who have been through menopause

Combined HRT is taken as a pill.

HRT may lower your chances of osteoporosis. There may be a strong link between longer term ERT or HRT use and other health problems. These include invasive breast cancer, strokes, heart attacks, and blood clots. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks.

Raloxifene

Raloxifene is one of a class of drugs that work on estrogen receptors in the body. It helps prevent bone loss at the spine, hip, and total body. They may raise bone mass. This medicine may also lower the risk of breaks in the spine and breast cancer. Raloxifene is taken as a pill and once a day, with or without meals.

Possible side effects:

• Hot flashes
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Leg pain
• Sleep problems
• Higher risk of blood clots and stroke —rare

Calcitonin

Calcitonin is a natural hormone that:

• Slows bone growth
• Raises bone density
• Lowers the risk of breaks in the spine

It may also help lower or ease the pain of bone breaks. Calcitonin is approved for women who are at least 5 years past menopause. It can be taken as a shot or used as a nasal spray.

Possible side effects from a shot:

• Allergic reaction
• Flushing of the face and hands
• Passing urine more frequently
• Nausea
• Skin rash

The nasal spray may cause a runny nose.

Denosumab

Denosumab is given as a shot. It’s type of monoclonal antibody. The medicine works by seeking out cells called osteoclasts. These cells breakdown bone.

Denosumab is for women who have:

• Gone through menopause
• Osteoporosis
• A high risk of broken bones

Common side effects:

• Back pain
• Pain in the arms or legs
• Pain in muscles, soft tissues, or bones
• High cholesterol levels
• Bladder infections

Teriparatide

Teriparatide is given as a shot from a pen. It’s a man-made form of parathyroid hormone, which stimulates bone growth. Teriparatide is used for people who are at high risk for breaks or are taking corticosteroids.

Common side effects:

• Neck pain
• Headache
• Weakness
• Nausea or vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Rash
• Sweating