Certain hormone replacement therapies have provided relief to menopausal women according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, however, many have been linked to serious side effects, including an increased risk of breast cancer or stroke.

The BMJ Group study was ceased prematurely when risks of several treatments became prevalent. Many reports have noted that some HRT drugs have not been studied in combination with other medications, including Fosamax, an osteoporosis drug often used in conjunction with HRT treatment.

What are Hormone Treatments?
Menopause occurs in women when their ovaries decrease production of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone, thus requiring hormone replacement therapy as an appropriate treatment.Hormone replacement therapies are associated with both benefits and risks. The Mayo Clinic reports several long-term benefits including:

- prevention and decreased risk of developing osteoporosis.
- a decreased risk of colorectal cancer.
- decreasing the onset of heart disease among many patients.

Additional health risks that exist include the following:

- an increased risk of heart disease among some patients.
- more instances of breast cancer among patients.
- an increased risk of stroke.
- the potential onset of blood clots among women patients.

Prescription Drug Dangers.
Because there are several prescription drug dangers that exist with consumption of hormone replacement therapy treatments, it is necessary for a pre- and post-menopausal patient to know the dangers surrounding HRT drugs as well as companion drugs such as Fosamax.

Fosamax is a common osteoporosis drug that is often prescribed to menopausal women. Merck and Co manufactures Fosamax, also known by its generic name sodium alendronate., and was released in 2001. Recent studies have linked the drug to the onset of osteonecrosis (ONJ), or bone death in the jaw, which results in the painful deterioration of the jaw bone and bone mass within the body.

Patients who have suffered from the Fosamax risk should seek medical attention immediately as well as consult with a pharmaceutical attorney who can provide a freelegal consultation to patients suffering from the drug's side effects. It may be necessary for a patient to develop a Fosamax class action lawsuit in which monetary compensation could be derived for the damages endured by a Fosamax patient. Individuals may contact an experienced Fosamax attorney to learn more about developing a Fosamax case.