What does raloxifene do for osteoporosis?

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Raloxifene 60 mg tablet acts as a Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM) in bones, mimicking estrogen's beneficial effects on bone health in postmenopausal women. Here's a concise breakdown:

• Bone Loss Prevention: Estrogen decline after menopause accelerates bone loss. Raloxifene binds to estrogen receptors in bones, stimulates bone formation, and inhibits bone breakdown. This helps maintain bone mineral density, reducing the risk of fractures.
• Targets Specific Tissues: Unlike estrogen, raloxifene has tissue-selective effects. It acts like estrogen in bones but blocks estrogen's action in breast tissue, potentially reducing the risk of invasive breast cancer in high-risk women

• Increased Bone Mineral Density (BMD): Raloxifene demonstrably increases BMD in the spine and hip, the two most common fracture sites in osteoporosis. This increased density translates to stronger bones that are less susceptible to breaking.
• Reduced Bone Turnover: Osteoporosis involves an imbalance between bone formation and resorption. Raloxifene helps tip the scales in favor of bone formation by suppressing the activity of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone breakdown.
• Potential for Vertebral Fracture Reduction: Studies suggest raloxifene is particularly effective in reducing the risk of vertebral fractures, which can cause significant pain and disability.
• Doesn't Replace Other Therapies: While raloxifene is a valuable tool, it might not suit everyone with osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D supplementation and weight-bearing exercises remain essential components of a comprehensive osteoporosis management plan.

In essence, raloxifene helps prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women by mimicking estrogen's positive effects on bone health without its potential drawbacks in other tissues.