What is Tibolone?
Tibolone is a medication that works by activating hormonal receptors in your body. It acts similarly to a combined estrogen & progestogen preparation in treating menopausal symptoms.
Why Tibolone?
Your doctor may suggest or prescribe Tibolone as an alternative to estrogen/progestogen therapy if:
you are unable to tolerate menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)
if your main concerns are sexual health issues and libido
if you have undergone hysterectomy and various estrogen preparation is not suitable for you
if you have special problems such as endometriosis or fibroids as it has been shown to have less effect on estrogen dependent growth of endometriosis and fibroids
Your doctor may also transition you from continuous combined MHT into tibolone for long term use.
How does Tibolone work?
Estrogenic effects: relieve vasomotor symptoms. It has also been shown to be favourable on the bone, brain and vagina
Progestogenic effects: preventing thickening of the endometrium (hyperplasia).
Androgenic effects: improves libido and sexual activity
Who can take tibolone?
Tibolone may be suitable for you if:
Your last menstrual period is one year ago. If started earlier, you may experience unscheduled bleeding.
You have undergone hysterectomy
You are less than 60 years old
Are there any risks with taking Tibolone?
Women on tibolone may have unscheduled bleeding in the first 3 months of use which settles with time.
There is no evidence that tibolone increases the risk of endometrial cancer, VTE, cardiovascular events and mortality from any cause.
Initiating tibolone after the age of 60 years is not advised as it can increase the risk of stroke.
Tibolone is not advised in breast cancer survivors. For all other women, regular breast surveillance (e.g. mammography) is still recommended.