566 Final Exam Study Guide Week 5

Prevention of osteoporosis with hormone replacement therapy (p. 433) Hormone therapy (HT) reduces postmenopausal bone loss & thereby decreases the risk for osteoporosis & related fractures. Unfortunately, when HT is stopped, bone mass rapidly decreases by approximately 12%. Hence to maintain bone health, HT must continue lifelong. As a result, the risk for harm is increased. Accordingly, alternative treatments are preferred. Effective alternatives to HT include raloxifene (Evista) & bisphosphonates like alendronate (Fosamax), calcitonin (Miacalcin), & teriparatide (Forteo). All patients should practice primary prevention of bone loss by ensuring adequate intake of calcium & vitamin D, performing regular weight-bearing exercise, & avoiding smoking & excessive alcohol use. When and when not to use progestin for hormone replacement therapy and why (pp. 430-433) Goals for noncontraceptive uses of progestins are to counteract endometrial hyperplasia caused by unopposed estrogen during hormone therapy; management of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, amenorrhea, & endometriosis; & support of pregnancy in women with corpus luteum deficiency. Progestins are also used in in vitro fertilization cycles & to prevent prematurity in women at high risk for preterm birth. Progestins are contraindicated in the presence of undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding. Relative contraindications include active thrombophlebitis or a history of thromboembolic disorders (DVT, CVA), active liver disease, & carcinoma of the breast. Progestins should not be prescribed for women who have undergone hysterectomy. Local vs. systemic estrogen options and why one would be chosen over the other (p. 428)