Tibolone

Tibolone is a tablet used to treat symptoms of postmenopause, which is when you haven't had a period for a year or longer. It also helps lower your risk of developing osteoporosis. It works in a similar way to combined HRT, but unlike traditional HRT, it doesn't contain oestrogen or progesterone.

Tibolone, the active ingredient in this treatment, is a synthetic steroid that your body breaks down to produce these hormones. Because of this, it can be seen as both a type of HRT and an alternative to it, depending on who you ask.

Menopause symptoms occur because your oestrogen levels drop as your ovaries slowly stop releasing eggs, eventually leading to the end of your periods. The symptoms can differ in how long they last and how intense they are. Some women have mild symptoms for a short while, while others may face severe symptoms for several years, which can be both upsetting and disruptive to daily life.

Tibolone helps relieve symptoms by imitating the effects of oestrogen in the body. However, having too much oestrogen can raise the risk of womb cancer. To counter this, Tibolone also boosts progesterone levels, similar to combined HRT, which helps lower this risk. Additionally, Tibolone has some male hormone effects that can enhance sexual well-being, mood, and libido in women who have experienced difficulties with these, whether due to menopause or other HRT.

Oestrogen plays a key role in keeping bones strong. After menopause, women often have lower oestrogen levels, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Tibolone, similar to other hormone replacement therapies, helps lower this risk by replenishing oestrogen.

Tibolone comes in just one strength: 2.5mg, and the usual dose is one tablet a day. If this doesn't seem to help with your symptoms, please have a chat with our clinician. They may suggest increasing your daily dose if it's safe for you.