Tibolone

Introduction To Tibolone

Tibolone is a female sex hormone (estrogen). This is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause (hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and itching), estrogen deficiency, and thinning of bones (osteoporosis).

Tibolone can be taken with or without food, but better to take it at a fixed time each day for better efficacy. It should be swallowed whole with water. The dose and duration will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. Do not skip any dose and finish the full course of treatment. The treatment should not be stopped abruptly without consulting your doctor as this may affect the potency of this medicine.

The most common side effects of this medicine are lower abdominal pain, abnormal hair growth, endometrial hyperplasia, vaginal discharge, breast tenderness, genital itching, vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, cervical thickening, and weight gain. Some of the warning signs and symptoms that need immediate medical attention are breast lumps, unusual vaginal bleeding, dizziness and faintness, severe headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, pains in your legs. If you experience any such effects, consult your doctor.

Before taking this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines for the same disease or other diseases. Before you initiate with this HRT, you must consult the doctor if you have a history of unexplained vaginal bleeding or if you have ever had a blood clot in your legs or your lungs. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may suggest you some diagnostic or laboratory tests to know the effects and side effects of this medicine on your body.

Uses of Tibolone

  • Hormone replacement therapy
  • Post menopausal osteoporosis

Benefits of Tibolone

Hormone replacement therapy
Hormone placement therapy (HRT) is a treatment to relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and reduced sex drive. Since menopause can last for several years, this treatment can make a big improvement to your daily life and mood. Estrogen is one of two important hormones (the other is progesterone) used in this treatment. You should use this medicine as it is prescribed, and for as long as it is prescribed by your doctor.

Post menopausal osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It often occurs in women after menopause. Tibolone helps maintain bone density and reduces your risk of breaking a bone. You should use this medicine as it is prescribed, and for as long as it is prescribed by your doctor.

You can help improve the strength of your bones by doing regular exercise (especially weight-bearing exercise), eating healthy foods containing calcium and Vitamin D, and reducing your consumption of alcohol and tobacco. Supplements of calcium and Vitamin D3 are also effective.

Side effects of Tibolone

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Sibolone

  • Breast pain
  • Vaginal bleeding
  • Weight gain
  • Abnormal hair growth
  • Breast tenderness
  • Cervical thickening
  • Endometrial hyperplasia
  • Genital itching
  • Lower abdominal pain
  • Pelvic pain
  • Vaginal discharge

How to use Tibolone

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Tibolone may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Tibolone works

Tibolone is a hormonal medication. It has effects similar to estrogen, progesterone and androgen. It substitutes for the loss of estrogen production in postmenopausal women and treats menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal problems. It also prevents bone loss following menopause.

Quick tips

  • Tibolone is used as a part of hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, depression, and night sweats.
  • It may also be used for preventing osteoporosis in women who have attained menopause and are at high risk of fractures.
  • Take it at the same time everyday to help you remember to take it.
  • It may cause bleeding or spotting in between menstrual periods. Let your doctor know if this occurs frequently.
  • Stop taking Tibolone and inform your doctor immediately if you get severe headaches, stabbing pains or swelling in one leg, and pain on breathing. These could be symptoms of a blood clot in a vein.
  • Ensure that you regularly check your breasts for any changes and undergo regular breast screening and cervical smear tests while on treatment with this medicine.
  • Do not use Tibolone if you have a history of blood clots and liver disease.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyUNSAFE

Can I take Tibolone if I’m pregnant?

Tibolone is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

sdsBreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Tibolone if I’m breastfeeding?

Information regarding the use of Tibolone during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.

sdsAlcoholUNSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Tibolone safe?

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Tibolone.

sdsDrivingSAFE

Can I drive after taking Tibolone?

Tibolone does not usually affect your ability to drive.

sdsKidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Tibolone if I have/had kidney diseases?

There is limited information available on the use of Tibolone in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

sdsLiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Tibolone if I have/had liver diseases?

There is limited information available on the use of Tibolone in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does Tibolone contain progesterone?

It is a synthetic medicine which is used to fulfill the functions of the normal sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone in the body of women. On taking Tibolone it is broken down in our body and functions like estrogen, progesterone and a part to testosterone (male sex hormone). It is prescribed to compensate for the loss of estrogen production in postmenopausal women and decrease the menopausal symptoms.

Q. Is Tibolone a combined HRT?

Yes, Tibolone is a type of medicine used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) which is given to post-menopausal women. It is given to prevent the adverse effects on various organs and systems due to decrease in the levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It shows positive effect on different tissues in the body, such as brain, vagina, and bones.

Q. Can Tibolone be taken during pregnancy?

No, Tibolone is not to be taken in pregnancy or if you are planning to get pregnant. In case you become pregnant during treatment with this medication you should contact your doctor and the medicine should be withdrawn immediately.

Q. Does Tibolone help in elevating mood?

Yes, this medicine has shown positive results when given to postmenapausal women as a substitute for the hormonal deprivation. Patients have experienced reduction in the menopausal complaints like persistent fatigue, blunted motivation, and loss of sexual desire. However, consult the doctor regarding any query for your mood problems before you start taking this medication.

Q. Can Tibolone help in osteoporosis?

Yes, Tibolone can help in osteoporosis. After menopause some women become prone to develop fragile bones called osteoporosis which can lead to an increased risk of fractures. Tibolone acts as a replacement for the female sex hormones when given in the post-menopausal phase. These hormones help in increasing bone density. Therefore, taking Tibolone can prevent bone loss and osteoporosis. Do consult your doctor before starting this medication as you might need other supplemental medications to treat osteoporosis.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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