ABSTRACT
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.
