I am a practicing Gynecologist and have been an advocate of hormone replacement therapy for my patients. I have been anxiously anticipating the FDA approval of a drug called "Livial" (generic name: tibolone) in this country for years. I believe that the FDA continues to table the approval of this drug due to influence and pressure by other major drug companies. Livial offers women ALL the benefits of estrogen with virtually NONE of the negative effects (with the exception of the heart and stroke risk being virtually the same.) Livial may not have the same beneficial effect as estrogen on lipid profiles in some women. Specifically, Livial treats hot flashes, osteoporosis, skin aging, vaginal dryness AND has a positive effect of mood and libido. Furthermore, it has a PREVENTATIVE effect on the breast and does not need to be combined with progesterone in women who have not had a hysterectomy. Nearly all of my patients who are reluctant to take hormones in menopause are fearful of the breast cancer risk of estrogen. Livial is chemically related to Tamoxifen which patients are often given after treatment for breast cancer to prevent recurrence. Livial was developed 20 years ago in Europe and is available in nearly EVERY country except the US and Canada. I would like readers to be aware of this wonderful product and mindful of the shameful pressures of US drug makers to keep this product out of the US market for competitive reasons. Livial is manufactured in the Netherlands and the U.K. by Organon a respected drug company that also makes fertility drugs, birth control pills, Nuvaring, and the new implant for birth control. I have no affiliation with this company, the FDA nor any other pharmaceutical company. I feel that American women are being cheated out of the opportunity to receive a better and healthier alternative to estrogen replacement. James Goldstone, M.D. F.A.C.O.G.[/b]
p.s. oh yes, and NO weight gain.

My doctor has just prescribed Livial for me. I had breast cancer 3 yrs ago, which was oestrogen receptive, I have osteoporosis and high blood pressure both of which I am on medication for. I had my ovaries removed 2 years ago. Should I really be taking this medication, my dr says it will be ok, but having read up on Livial I am not so sure. Also is it likely to make me gain weight??

I have just completed my second month on Livial. The hot flushes are less but my libido has gone completely out the window. I read somewhere that some things take a bit longer and once I have taken it for 3 months things may get better. Can anybody give any advice on this please. Is it going to get better.

Hi Dr. Goldstone,

First of all, thanks for coming to our site to share this information with me, and all women who are experiencing menopause symptoms. I was not familiar with this drug at all.

So interesting that its not FDA approved here or in Canada. The age old question...I wonder why? It's just like the Intrinsa patch for women. Something we are dire need of.

It sounds like it has virtually no side effects. I would love to know more about this drug and will do some additional research and post some links where women can read more information on the drug.

If you can send me any links on research or more info that I can share with our EmpowHer women, that would be great.

Thanks again for coming and sharing with us. I hope you will continue to help us flush out questions like this.

Best in health,

Michelle

Replying to poster. I am a 10 + years post menopausal, young single, sexually active, 42 year old. I have been taking Generic Livial (Tibofem) for several months. I will tell you I had put on 30 lbs prior (had stopped all estrogen replacement therapy) and have lost it all. I will tell you my vaginal atrophy has stopped. I am loving life and attribute it to Generic Livial (Tibofem). It is available online at http://www.inhousepharmacy.com and you are not breaking any laws buying it. I feel much like my pre-menopausal/pre-indometriosis self and I love it! Life is for living!