Since raloxifene blocks estrogen's cancer promoting effects on breast and endometrial tissue, it was hoped that raloxifene would be safer than tamoxifen, a related drug, which also blocks the action of estrogen on breast tissue. The JAMA study was originally designed mainly to determine whether a three-year course of raloxifene could reduce the risk of bone fractures among postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. The dose of raloxifene did not make a difference. Women taking raloxifene were, however, more likely to report hot flashes, influenza-like symptoms, and cramps and fluid accumulation in the legs. Female Sexual Dysfunction Sexual dysfunction can include a decrease in sex drive, a decrease in sexual pleasure, an inability to have an orgasm and can sometimes result in depression.
Women naturally produce testosterone which, in part, controls sexual desire.
However, after removal of the ovaries, there is a reduction in the production of testosterone. Results of the study were reported at The Endocrine Society's annual meeting. Treatment included either two placebo patches, a placebo and a patch containing a normal level of testosterone, or two patches containing higher levels of testosterone. Patients who received the testosterone patch had an improvement in sexual dysfunction compared with patients receiving placebo. From a safety perspective, estrogen levels remained the same, hot flashes did not increase, there was no increased hair growth in unwanted areas or acne.