Although there is no cure for osteoporosis, there are many ways to slow its progress. There are other agents available such as tamoxifen which is commonly used as an adjunct in the treatment of breast cancer, and sodium fluoride that have been shown to improve bone mineral density. Dr. Thorneycroft and his colleagues have conducted several menopausal studies and projects involving health-related quality of life issues. Amongst these studies, special areas of interests include contraception and menopause. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has completed studies involving a comparison of raloxifene, estrogen and placebo on the uterus in healthy postmenopausal women and is currently studying the consequences of transfer from hormone replacement therapy to raloxifene.
Osteoporosis is one of the most under-diagnosed disorders in medicine.
However, with good screening and early treatment this disease can be prevented. With an increased emphasis on research of this important disease, the outlook on osteoporosis prevention and treatment as our population lives longer, is very encouraging. Dr. Thorneycroft displaying a bone density machine that can detect osteoporosis in its earliest stages.