bone loss treatment

Many menopausal women get treated for bone loss. I know some. Here is some useful info on bone loss treatment pros and cons.

Vitamin D
Pros: Helps body absorb calcium
Cons: Large amounts of vitamin D can cause build-up of calcium in blood, which could lead to heart and lung problems and kidney stones

Calcitonin
Pros: Slows bone breakdown
Cons: Headaches, dizziness, diarrhea, lack of desire for eating, nose bleeds (with nasal form)

Bisphosphonates
Pros: Very effective against bone loss
Cons: Common to have gastrointestinal problems when taking these drugs; can cause injury to esophagus unless taken with lots of water while sitting upright or standing

Tamoxifen
Pros: Lowers risk of breast cancer; reduces risk of fractures
Cons: Increases risk of uterine cancer, blood clots; more hot flashes; irregular vaginal bleeding

Raloxifene
Pros: May lower risk of breast cancer; prevents fractures
Cons: Increases risk of blood clots; hot flashes; leg cramps

Estrogen
Pros: Helps prevent vaginal tissue from thinning; also helps prevent bone loss; very effective against hot flashes
Cons: Increased risk of breast cancer; increased risk of uterine cancer if estrogen is taken without progesterone; increased risk of blood clots