Tibolone, a hormone replacement therapy (HRT), is widely used to alleviate menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. While it benefits many women during menopause, the NHS emphasizes that certain groups must speak with a healthcare professional before starting this treatment.
There are 12 specific situations identified by the NHS where consulting a doctor is essential. These include women experiencing unexplained vaginal bleeding, those with porphyria, or individuals with excessive thickening of the uterine lining. For these groups, medical evaluation is necessary to ensure tibolone’s safety.
Additional groups advised to seek medical advice before using tibolone include individuals on other medications, as interactions may affect its efficacy. This caution extends to herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements, which are not regulated or tested as prescription medicines and might influence how tibolone or other drugs work.
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The NHS explains that tibolone functions by restoring hormone levels and can help prevent bone thinning after menopause, working similarly to combined HRT containing oestrogen and progestogen. However, it may not increase oestrogen levels as much as combined HRT and is suitable only for post-menopausal women—those whose last period was over a year ago. Exceptions include women who have had their ovaries removed or are taking gonadorelin analogues, who may start tibolone immediately.
Tibolone is prescription-only and comes in tablet form, usually taken once daily. Symptom improvement may take up to three months. Common side effects include breast tenderness, vaginal irritation, and abdominal pain, but these often resolve within the first few months of treatment.
Patients are encouraged to consult their doctors or pharmacists before starting tibolone or any other supplements to ensure safe and effective treatment.