Livial

Livial is a type of HRT used to manage menopausal symptoms. It's also used as a secondary option for treating osteoporosis, which can occur within the first few years after menopause begins.

Livial, also known as Tibolone, is the active ingredient in the tablet. It's a treatment specifically for postmenopausal women who haven't had a period for at least a year.

It works by mimicking oestrogen and progesterone, the natural female hormones found in the body.

Livial is a bit different from combined HRT treatments like Indivina and Evorel Conti, or oestrogen-only options like Estradot, because it doesn't have actual oestrogen and progesterone hormone replacements. Instead, your body converts the active ingredient, tibolone, into these hormones.

During menopause, your body's oestrogen levels decrease, which can lead to symptoms like vaginal dryness, discomfort during sex, difficulty sleeping, hot flushes, night sweats, and feelings of depression or anxiety. Tibolone, the active ingredient in Livial, helps to replenish the oestrogen and manage these symptoms.

Tibolone is the generic form of Livial, the branded medication, and it functions the same way in the body. The only differences might be in the packaging and the appearance of the tablets.

Since it's a generic product, it's typically more affordable than Livial. It may also have different inactive ingredients, such as the film coating on the tablet. However, the two medications are essentially the same in terms of their active components.

Most HRT medicines include a synthetic form of oestrogen, and sometimes a synthetic form of progesterone as well. These hormones are naturally made by the body and help regulate the menstrual cycle, which in turn can ease menopause symptoms.

Livial is unique because it contains tibolone. When tibolone is processed in the body, it produces oestrogen. So, while it's not exactly a hormone replacement therapy, it functions in a similar manner.

Livial isn't given to address symptoms of the perimenopause, which are the symptoms you may experience while going through hormonal changes at this stage of life.

This medication is only prescribed for treating postmenopause, which means you haven't had a period for at least 12 months. Unlike other hormone replacement therapies, you don't need to take progesterone with it, as it doesn't raise the risk of cancer if you haven't had a hysterectomy.

Weight gain and bloating are some of the more common side effects of taking Livial.

but only a small number of patients mention it. Weight loss is seldom reported, though it does happen occasionally.

So, what do we know about weight changes when taking tibolone? It's a bit unclear, but there's solid evidence indicating that weight changes are more likely linked to menopause itself, rather than being caused by the medication.

If you're worried about any changes in your weight, contact our clinician for advice.

Women over 60 can use Livial, provided there aren't any other factors that could make it unsafe. These factors might include other medications that interact with Livial or health conditions, whether they are related to menopause or not.

Livial has been linked to a small rise in the risk of strokes and heart disease in women over 60.

although these risks are quite low. On the other hand, it's believed that taking it for a longer period may reduce the chances of bone fractures and breast cancer in women.

If you're worried about side effects or potential health risks with Livial, feel free to send a message to our clinician.

Livial comes in just one dosage of 2.5mg. If you have trouble tolerating it, your doctor might suggest trying a different type of HRT.

There are various types of HRT available, tailored to the stage of menopause you're experiencing. There are also different doses to suit your personal needs. With guidance from our clinician, we can help you find the one that suits you best.

Depression and mood changes are uncommon side effects of Livial, so it's important to be aware of them before starting the medication.

Conversely, research has indicated that Livial can also help alleviate depression symptoms linked to menopause.

Honestly, there's no way to predict exactly how someone will respond to a medication. It's important to understand the risks linked to your treatment, but it's unlikely that taking Livial will cause you any problems with depression.