ask: Have you heard of the homeopathic drug Livial?
My friend Debbie, emailed me today and asked the above question. Has anyone heard about this alternative treatment? If so, does it work?
Be well,
Michelle
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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]
May 2, 2008 - 10:49amp.s. oh yes, and NO weight gain.
This Comment
Where can I get Livial? I have hot flashes and constantly sweating.
May 13, 2008 - 4:37pmYes, as these types of drugs go it is no worse, maybe even moderatly better than the others, but there are still major risks - Stroke, Cardio Vascular disease and please don't play down the breast cancer risk. The question one must ask themselves is whether it is really necessary to prescibe or take these drugs at all, and instead look at alternatives, such as herbs and homoeopathy which really benefit the patient and don't have these related risks. Please think about this and try not to dismiss the non-allopathic, they really work and often a lot better :)
March 24, 2009 - 4:04amI had phlebitis in my early 20's - I smoked and was taking birth control pills - and the dr said I should never, ever do HRT with that history. Fast forward: I am now 60, about 10 yrs on after menopause. I had minimal symptoms, hardly noticed it, but have been diagnosed w/ osteoporosis. I had my annual gyn. exam today, and this Dr. said my vaginal wall is very dry, and if I don't start taking something I will have bladder problems (leakage?) in a few years. He wanted to give me an estrogen creme until I told him about the phlebitis. He then recommended Livial as a non-hormonal alternative. From what I have read on-line, however, the risk of clots is the same. Who to believe??
August 10, 2009 - 6:13pmThank you very much for your comment. I have heard from women in latin america the best comments about Livial and since its not available in Canada no Doctor has been able to answer this question:
November 24, 2009 - 5:47pmBetween Prempro 0.3 mg/1.5 (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone acetate tablets) which I have taken for over 6 years and Livial 2.5 mg. which medication would post less risk of heart/circulatory disease and breast cancer?
Thank you for shedding some light in the dilemma!
Martha
I would like to hear more about Livial. My best friend has been on this drug for over fifteen years and is very happy with it. I am thinking of asking my doctor for this as I am having problems with vaginal weakness and recurrent cystitis, having never had urinary tract problems before. Will this help? I am also prone to mood swings, poor sleep and lower tolerance. I am 63 yrs old and have managed to get through the menopause until now. Will Livial help me?
October 6, 2011 - 11:02amI was very happy with livial change .....my life...
October 19, 2011 - 8:53amMy 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??
July 7, 2008 - 7:42amI 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.
August 12, 2008 - 1:20amSee a Homoeopath or Naturopath and don't believe everything the doctors tell you
March 24, 2009 - 4:05am