The Designer Estrogen

Many patients have been asking about the new "Designer Estrogen" that has been in the media recently. That product is called Evista (Raloxifene). It is not a traditional hormone like Estrogen. It is a selective Estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). This means that Evista acts like Estrogen in certain tissues, but not in others.

It has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of osteoporosis. It does have the advantage of not causing any vaginal bleeding or breast tenderness. There is also no increased risk of breast cancer, nor endometrial cancer. However, it does not relieve any menopausal symptoms, like the conventional hormone therapies.

Evista is a good drug of choice for certain patients. Many patient would benefit further by standard hormone therapy. Please feel free to discuss this with your physician/midwife about which product would be best for you.