Tibolone is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It contains a synthetic (artificial) hormone. Your body breaks down tibolone to make substances that work in a similar way to the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone.
Tibolone is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets.
How tibolone works
Tibolone helps restore your hormone levels. It helps to improve menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, low mood and vaginal dryness or irritation.
Menopause is when you stop having periods. Your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between ages 45 and 55, but it can happen earlier. You may also go through menopause early if you have your ovaries removed.
Tibolone can also be prescribed to help stop your bones getting thinner after menopause (osteoporosis).
Tibolone works in a similar way to combined HRT, which contains oestrogen and progestogen. Some studies have suggested it may not be as effective as combined HRT. This is because it may not increase your oestrogen levels as much.