Hormone replacement therapy with tibolone: effects on sexual functioning in postmenopausal women

Objective. Because hormonal changes in postmenopausal women may be accompanied by sexual problems and a worsening of various aspects of libido, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of tibolone (Liviel(R)) on sexual life. Methods. Postmenopausal first-time users of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were included in this open, multicenter study. Patients were treated with tibolone 2.5 mg daily for at least 4 months. Both at baseline and after 4 months of treatment, patients were asked to complete two different questionnaires rating the women's subjective assessment of their sexual problems or desires. Results. One hundred and eighty-four women were enrolled to receive HRT with tibolone. Overall, a significant increase in women's satisfaction with their sexual lives and a significant improvement in different aspects of libido was found. Conclusion. Tibolone has beneficial effects on several aspects of sexual life in postmenopausal women. These effects may be due to both an increase in genital blood flow and the central estrogenic/androgenic activity.