About Tibolone

Tibolone is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that contains a synthetic (artificial) hormone. Your body breaks down tibolone to make substances that work in a similar way to the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Tibolone helps to improve menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, low mood and vaginal dryness or irritation.

Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier. It affects anyone who has periods.

Your hormone levels also fall if you have surgery to remove your ovaries, or if you take medicines called gonadorelin analogues, such as leuprorelin for endometriosis.

Tibolone helps restore your hormone levels.

It can also be prescribed to help stop your bones getting thinner after the menopause (osteoporosis).

Tibolone works in a similar way to taking combined HRT containing oestrogen and progestogen. Some studies have suggested it may not be as effective as combined HRT as it may not increase your oestrogen levels as much.

It's only suitable if you had your last period more than a year ago (post-menopause). However, if you've had surgery to remove your ovaries or you're taking gonadorelin analogues you can start taking it straight away.

Tibolone is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets.

Key facts

• You'll usually take tibolone once a day.
• Tibolone can take up to 3 months to work fully to improve your symptoms.
• Common side effects include stomach pain, breast tenderness and vaginal irritation but these usually improve in the first few months of treatment.
• If you feel that the HRT you're taking is not helping your symptoms, talk to a doctor. It can take time to find the right type and dose to suit you.
• It's common to take tibolone for 2 to 5 years, and then try stopping to see if your menopause symptoms have improved. If your symptoms last for longer, your doctor can advise on the benefits and risks of continuing to take it.
• It's important to see your doctor at least once a year for a check-up and to review whether you need to keep taking tibolone.

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