Selective estrogen receptor modulators and postmenopausal women's health.

Selective estrogen receptor modulators represent an alternative approach to the use of estrogen replacement therapy or hormone replacement therapy for decreasing postmenopausal bone loss, as well as for reducing 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 effects similar to estrogen on the skeleton and cardiovascular system but behaves as a complete estrogen antagonist in the uterus and the breast. The pharmacologic profile of raloxifene, a discussion of a possible mechanism of action, and the potential role of this drug in women's postmenopausal health are the subjects of this review.