Tibolone is a hormone replacement option for women after the menopause. It is a synthetic steroid, not an oestrogen, and one product is listed here: Tibofem 2.5mg, a generic of the original brand Livial.
Menopausal Symptoms, Osteoporosis
2.5mg
Tibofem contains tibolone 2.5mg, a synthetic steroid hormone used for menopausal symptoms from a year after the last period, and to help prevent osteoporosis in women at high risk of fractures who cannot take other bone-protecting medicines.
Tibolone is a synthetic steroid hormone. After it is swallowed, the body converts it into three compounds: two act like oestrogen, and the third has progestogen- and androgen-like effects. That mix is why one tablet can stand in for the oestrogen lost after the menopause without a separate progestogen being added.
Its main use is relief of menopausal symptoms, with improvement usually seen within the first few weeks. It also slows bone loss after the menopause, so it is used to prevent osteoporosis when other bone medicines are unsuitable.
It is not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with breast cancer, oestrogen-dependent tumours, undiagnosed vaginal bleeding, untreated endometrial hyperplasia, a history of blood clots, stroke, heart attack or angina, or active liver disease.
Common effects include lower abdominal pain, vaginal discharge or bleeding, breast tenderness, weight gain and unwanted hair growth. Tibolone also raises the risk of breast and endometrial cancer, so unexpected vaginal bleeding needs checking.
It can strengthen the effect of anticoagulants such as warfarin, and some epilepsy medicines and St John’s wort can weaken it. Review the treatment with a doctor at least once a year.
