Increased bone density was noted in these women. However, tamoxifen's protective effect on breast cancer appears to wear off after five years. It also stimulates the endometrium. In women with an intact uterus, progesterone therapy would be needed to protect against endometrial carcinoma, but the progesterone stimulates breast tissue which could lead to recurrence of cancer. There is no stimulation of the endometrium.
Bone density shows small increases, which are less than seen with estrogen.
Raloxifene potentially could be useful in prevention of osteoporosis, but the skeletal effects do not appear to be strong enough to use it as a first choice in treatment of established disease.