Before you rush into taking HRT, consider what's in your medicine cabinet. While many of us are taking meds to help out our midlife health, those same drugs may be hurting our sex drive. Antidepressants and prescription painkillers are two of the worst offenders. Ask your physician if your meds could be causing your lowered libido, and explore your alternate drug options.

While some drugs may increase your risk of osteoporosis, others have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for both the treatment and prevention of the disease:

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• Alendronate sodium (Fosamax)
• Risedronate sodium (Actonel)
• Raloxifene (Evista)
• Calcitonin (Miacalcin)

Certain medications may increase your risk of osteoporosis:

• Immunosuppressants, including prednisone and other steroids, methotrexate and cyclosporine
• Thyroid drugs
• Anticonvulsants
• Aluminum-containing antacids
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• Long-term heparin therapy

While these drugs may increase bone loss, they may also be essential for treating serious conditions. Discuss the pros and cons of your medications with your physician.