Osteoporosis Medications: Hor... Health Article
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Depending on your needs, your provider may prescribe more than one medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis.
Hormone Therapy
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:
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Reducing bone loss
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Increasing bone density in the hip and spine
Side effects may include:
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Nausea
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Breakthrough bleeding, bloating, and weight gain
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Increased risk of blood clots in the legs and of certain cancers
SERMs
Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are taken as pills.
Benefits may include:
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Increasing bone density in the hip and spine
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Preventing bone loss
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Reducing risk of spinal fracture
Side effects may include:
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Hot flashes
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Leg cramps
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Increased risk of blood clots in the legs
Calcitonin
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.
Benefits may include:
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Slowing bone loss
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Increasing bone density in the spine
Side effects may include:
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Swelling, tenderness, or irritation inside the nose