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You are being advised to take a medication to prevent or treat osteoporosis. You may be given more than one. This depends on your needs. Below you can read about the different types. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions.
Hormone therapy can ease symptoms of postmenopause. It may also be used to help keep bone density. It 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) act on estrogen in the body. They come in pill form.
Preventing bone loss
Reducing risk of spinal fracture
Hot flashes
Leg cramps
Increased risk of blood clots in the legs
Calcitonin is a hormone. It comes in a nasal spray. It can be used in place of the other medications. But it may not be as effective. And it 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