- Any treatment with a bisphosphonate or parathyroid hormone; within the last 6 months: estrogen, estrogen analogues (e.g. raloxifene, tamoxifen) tibolone or anabolic steroids; Estrogen taken > 3 months ago for < 1 week is acceptable; Topical (vaginal) estrogen cream (< 2 g) used up to 2 times weekly is acceptable; Thyroid hormone, unless on a stable dose for at least six weeks before randomization with serum TSH within normal range; Fluoride treatment at a dose greater than 1 mg/day for more than 1 month at any time; given for a shorter time than one month it must have been greater than 1 year before randomization; Glucocorticoid treatment for more than one month with > 7.5 mg of oral prednisone (or the equivalent) per day within six months prior to randomization; patients who have received therapeutic glucocorticoids in the past must be considered highly unlikely to require retreatment with any dose of oral glucocorticoids for more than one month during the course of the study; Treatment with an immunosuppressant (e.g., cyclosporine, azathioprine) within the previous year.