Livial

What is Livial?

Livial is a HRT treatment that helps to tackle menopausal symptoms. It’s also a second line tablet for osteoporosis, which can develop in the first couple of years after the onset of the menopause.

Livial is sometimes referred to as Tibolone, the active ingredient in the tablet. It’s a treatment that’s only suitable for postmenopausal women who haven’t had a period for one year or more.

How does Livial work?

It works by imitating oestrogen and progesterone, which are naturally occurring female hormones in the body.

Livial is a little different from combined HRT treatments like Indivina and Evorel Conti, or oestrogen only options such as Estradot, as it doesn’t contain actual oestrogen and progesterone hormone replacements. Your body instead breaks down the active ingredient, tibolone, to make these hormones.

When you experience the menopause, the levels of oestrogen in your body start to drop, and this can trigger various symptoms, including vaginal dryness and discomfort when you’re having sex, trouble sleeping, hot flushes, night sweats and depression or anxiety. Tibolone, the active ingredient in Livial, makes up the oestrogen deficit, and helps to bring these symptoms under control.

What’s the difference between Tibolone and Livial?

Tibolone is the generic version of Livial (which is the branded treatment), so it works in the same way in the body. Only the packaging that it comes in and the tablets themselves may look different.

Because it’s a generic product, it’s usually cheaper than Livial. It might also contain different non-active ingredients, like the tablet’s film coating. Otherwise though, the two medications are essentially the same.