Effects of raloxifene on bone mineral density, serum cholesterol concentrations, and uterine endometrium in postmenopausal women

Raloxifene may increase bone density and decrease cholesterol in postmenopausal women without stimulating the uterine lining to grow. Estrogen can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease after menopause, but has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Raloxifene therapy increased bone density and reduced bone mineral loss, lowered cholesterol, and did not cause endometrial thickening in 601 women studied for 24 months. Raloxifene may be an effective alternative to estrogen for some postmenopausal women.