Livial

Livial is the brand name for the chemical compound known as tibolone that works by reducing the symptoms caused by the menopause including hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and a low sex drive.

Tackling the oestrogen deficiency, tibolone mimics the hormones oestrogen and progesterone as well as androgen testosterone making it a combined version of hormone replacement therapy.

Livial is also used to prevent osteoporosis in women who have had menopause by working as a postmenopausal treatment, or for women who happen to be at a higher risk of fracturing due to weak bones.

The main active ingredient in Livial - tibolone is a synthetic steroid taken as an oral treatment that breaks down into three separate ingredients once inside the body. These ingredients act in a similar way to the hormones progestogene, testosterone and oestrogen. This ensures that the usual hormone balance is maintained, reducing many of the bothersome symptoms of menopause that can develop after menopause, including changes in your sex drive.

Menopause is an inevitable part of aging and when it occurs it can cause a significant drop in female sex hormones. This can result in uncomfortable symptoms such as vaginal dryness, mood swings, loss of bone density, changes in sex drive, night sweats and hot flashes.

Livial contains ingredients that are able to act like both oestrogen and testosterone, thereby acting to balance hormone levels as to reduce the severity of many of these symptoms.Not only will this make you significantly more comfortable, but will give you the confidence and focus to carry on your life without disruption.

This particular HRT tablet is very easy to take. You can follow the guideline below or read the patient information leaflet attached with the treatment.

• One Livial tablet should be taken daily, without a break in-between pill strips at roughly the same time everyday.
• Each pill strip comes marked with the days of the week so that it's easy to remember whether you've taken your tablet or not.
• You can take your pill with or without food, with a glass of water.
• The treatment should not be taken at least 12 months before your previous period.
• Livial should not be taken at least 12 months before your last menstrual bleed.

A doctor will normally prescribe the lowest dose suitable for you that will provide short-term relief from your symptoms. They may start you off on the smallest dose and increase it depending on your needs, if you've not experienced any side effects. You should continue taking the medication until advised otherwise by a medical professional.

What to do if I miss a HRT pill

It is common to miss a dose every now and then. If this is the case, take your missed pill as soon as you remember if it is within 12 hours. If it is over the 12 hours, miss it out completely and continue the pack as normal. Never take two tablets at the same time to make up for a missed dosage.

Livial (tibolone) is available in 2.5mg dosage that should be taken as prescribed above. At HealthExpress, we can issue 84 tablets which should cover you for a 3 month period.

Although it's advised to go for regular check-ups while on HRT, side effects won't affect everybody who uses Livial, especially if you are on the right dose for you. Side effects of HRT treatments like Livial usually include:

• Fluid retention
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Indigestion

Many of these side effects lessen, the longer you use this treatment, however, lifestyle changes may also ease some of these side effects, such as exercising and taking Livial with meals. If you experience any side effects that is causing extreme discomfort, then ensure you speak to your doctor.

Those taking Livial should have regular check-ups with the medication itself being checked yearly. Like all hormone replacement therapy, Livial is not a form of contraception and you will need to use additional barrier options like condoms if you wish to be sexually protected.

With HRT, it's important to understand the limitations of using the treatment, these include:

• Those with a history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke and blood clots
• Those with a history of miscarriages, high blood pressure, heart failure, liver disease, decreased kidney function, gallstones and migraines.
• Also not suitable for obese women and smokers.
• Not suitable for women that are pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

HealthExpress will not issue HRT medicine without you having previously been approved said medication by your doctor. There are other precautions to be aware of that are considered less common, however you must have a review before being issued tibolone. If you're considering Livial as your HRT, you can find further information on precautions in the patient leaflet attached to the bottom of the page before booking an appointment.

Livial is only available from HealthExpress if a doctor has already recommended you this treatment. This is down to some of the precautions listed above.

If Livial is your usual form of medication for the menopause or osteoporosis, simply complete a confidential online consultation, which will be checked by your online doctor. If you complete your order before 4.30pm, you will receive it the next day.