I read all of the information available when I started taking Evista. But, truthfully, the more I read ANY accompanying literature that comes with medication, the more apt I am to "developing" some of the side effects I have read about. I want to know about the bad things, but at a certain point, for me, at least, it is better to not read on. Same with looking at research on the Internet. My doctor told me about the hot flashes, but did not go into any great detail, except to answer the answer the questions I asked. She is a triathlete who I know from the gym and she basically said that given my family history and my athletic lifestyle, she would hate to see me be crippled by some of the things she has seen happen from untreated osteoporosis.
I did have my bone scan at age 47 because of my family history, but I would have had one at a later date, even if I had no family history. Same with mammograms. I had a benign cyst at age 32 and had my first mammo then, and another one 35, and then one yearly at after 40. I think this is being prudent and I don't feel that I am being coerced into it. Believe me, I am not one who thinks that the medical profession is God like, but I consider this to be preventative. At my next visit I will ask about going off of the Evista and/or how long I will take it, because I won't take it indefinitely.
On the other hand, I don't like worrying about what might happen if I have a bike crash; and given my clutzyness, that does happen once in awhile!
Oakleaf, I know you have much more of a scientific background than I do, and I respect your opinion. I just can't do that.