SELECTIVE ESTROGEN-RECEPTOR MODULATORS AND POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMENS HEALTH

Selective estrogen receptor modulators represent an alternative approa ch to the use of estrogen replacement therapy or hormone replacement t herapy for decreasing postmenopausal bone loss, as well as for reducin g the incidence of serious cardiovascular disease in this population. Of particular interest is raloxifene, a benzothiophene compound, which binds with high affinity to the estrogen receptor and produces effect s similar to estrogen on the skeleton and cardiovascular system but be haves as a complete estrogen antagonist in the uterus and the breast. The pharmacologic profile of raloxifene, a discussion of a possible me chanism of action, and the potential role of this drug in women's post menopausal health are the subjects of this review.