Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Estrogen levels drop dramatically at menopause, and HRT attempts to replace this hormone for maximum bone protection. Progestin is sometimes added to estrogen to decrease the risk of uterine cancer. There is no question that HRT dramatically reduces fracture risk and builds bone, there are risks of breast cancer, heart disease, and blood clots with prolonged use, as well as potential risk of menopausal side effects.

Biophosphanates
Alendronate, brand name Fosamax , Risedronate, brand name Actonel
Biophosphanates are compounds that slow the loss of bone, and improve bone strength. Fosamax is approved for the prevention and treatment of post-menopausal and glucocortocoid-induced osteoporosis, for women and men. It decreases bone fractures of the spine, wrist, and hip. It's chief risk factors are stomach upset and burning of the esophagus.

NEW! BONIVA Ibandronate Sodium Tablets
The first ONCE-A-MONTH biophosphanate tablet for the treatment of
post-menopausal Osteoporosis! Only one pill a month!

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators
Raloxifene, brand name Evista
SERMS are drugs that work like estrogen on bone, but with fewer side effects. Evista is approved for the treatment and prevention of post-menopausal Osteoporosis. It prevents bone loss in the spine, less so in the hip and total body, and produces small increases in bone mass. Its major risk factors are blood clots and hot flashes.

Miacalcin
Brand name Calcitonin
Calcitonin is a naturally-occuring hormone involved in calcium regulation, approved for the treatment - not prevention - of Osteoporosis. It controls bone breakdown, relieves bone fracture pain, and reduces bone loss, especially in the spine. It's available via injection, and more commonly as a nasal spray. Side effects are an itchy or runny nose.

Teriparatide
Brand Name Forteo
Just approved: the first medication to build bone!
Forteo stems from the parathyroid hormone, and greatly reduces fracture risk at the spine and hip. It's available via injection to post-menopausal women and men at high risk of fracture. Not recommended for patients at risk for bone cancer or Paget's disease.

Click here to take the 'Osteoporosis risk-factor' test