Definition: A class of drugs which mimic the action of estrogen in the body and are often used to help prevent bone loss in post menopausal women. Raloxifene is one example of a SERM. These drugs may behave as an estrogen or as an anti-estrogen at the cellular level, and present a lower risk than estrogen for estrogen dependent breast cancers.
Also Known As: Designer estrogens
Examples: Sometimes selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are prescibed to treat osteoporosis, but they may have the side effect of increasing hot flashes.