THURSDAY, Aug. 21 (HealthDay News) -- The osteoporosis drug Zometa (zoledronic acid) prevented bone loss at 12 months in premenopausal women undergoing chemotherapy after they had surgery for early stage breast cancer, a new study found.

The multicenter, phase III study is the first to evaluate the use of zoledronic acid in premenopausal breast cancer patients. The 101 women (85 completed the study) were divided into two groups that received either zoledronic acid or a placebo every three months for one year. All the women were given oral vitamin D and calcium supplements.

I’m sure you’ve seen one or more television ads for biphosphonate drugs such as Fosamax (alendronate) or Boniva (ibandronate) that picture healthy, vibrant midlife women selling you on the idea that you need a drug to ensure healthy bones for a lifetime. Would that life were that easy! Before taking or continuing to take one of these drugs, you need to know the full story. Then you can make a truly informed decision.

(HealthDay News) -- Osteoporosis -- caused when the body can't replace bone calcium as fast as it is lost -- is common as people age, particularly among women.

More than 1.5 million Americans each year sustain a bone fracture related to osteoporosis.

Here are common risk factors for osteoporosis, courtesy of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:

* Getting older.
* Not doing enough weight-bearing exercises.
* Insufficient estrogen levels after menopause.
* Not getting enough calcium or vitamin D in your diet.
* Certain hormonal imbalances.

As women, we are probably all aware of the importance of getting an annual exam, and for those of us over 40, a yearly mammogram.

But what about an annual bone density test? How many of you out there who are over 40 have gotten one of those lately?

As women, we are probably all aware of the importance of getting an annual exam, and for those of us over 40, a yearly mammogram.

But what about an annual bone density test? How many of you out there who are over 40 have gotten one of those lately?

By now, you probably know that I’ve had to deal with more than a few health issues as the result of getting a complete hysterectomy at the age of 42. You might have also found it as interesting as I have to learn just how many of these problems were tied to unbalanced hormone levels.

Health Events, EmpowHer's new national online health events calendar, will launch next week. Here's a preview of the wonderful free, low cost and convenient health events that you can find on Health Events:
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Scottsdale Healthcare’s Women’s Health Services is making it easier for busy women in the Phoenix area to get their health screenings done.

By Amanda Gardner
EmpowHer's HealthDay Reporter

SATURDAY, May 31 (HealthDay News) -- A drug used to treat osteoporosis lowered the risk of breast cancer recurrence in premenopausal women with early breast cancer.

The Austrian researchers also found that women who took Zometa (zoledronic acid) had a 30 percent lower risk of the cancer spreading to the bone, with other benefits as well.

http://nccam.nih.gov/health/womenshealth...

Dr. Irwin Goldstein, San Diego Sexual Medicine At Alvarado Hospital answers the question whether there are advantages of testosterone besides improving your sexual desire.