Evista (raloxifene) is not a hormone replacement therapy. It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is used to prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Evista works by acting like estrogen on bones, but not on the uterus or breast tissue.
Some key facts about Evista:
- Evista is approved by the FDA for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. It helps strengthen bones and reduce the risk of bone fractures.
- Unlike hormone replacement therapy (HRT), Evista does not contain actual hormones. It belongs to a class of drugs called SERMs that act selectively on estrogen receptors in different tissues.
- By acting on bone cells, Evista mimics estrogen's bone-protective effects. This helps maintain bone density and reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women.
- However, Evista does not stimulate breast or uterine tissue like estrogen does. So it does not increase cancer risks in those areas.
- Studies show Evista can decrease the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women at high risk. It may also help protect against cardiovascular disease.
- Potential side effects of Evista include hot flashes, leg cramps, and blood clots. The drug carries an FDA black box warning for increased stroke risk.
So in summary, while Evista has some estrogen-like effects, it is not considered a hormone replacement therapy or estrogen supplement. It belongs to a separate drug class and works differently from HRT. Evista specifically targets bones to prevent osteoporosis, without carrying the same risks as systemic estrogen.
Postmenopausal women who are looking for an osteoporosis treatment or breast cancer prevention can talk to their doctor about whether Evista may be a good option for them. Those seeking relief from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes may need to consider other therapies. A doctor can help weigh the pros and cons of Evista versus other choices.
At Hormone Harmony, our physicians have extensive experience using Evista and other SERMs for osteoporosis management in menopausal women. We provide customized treatment plans to protect bone health while addressing any other issues related to hormone changes after menopause. With our comprehensive testing and care, we aim to optimize health and quality of life during this transition. Contact us today to learn more about our osteoporosis and menopause treatments!
