Updated clinical recommendations for the use of tibolone in Asian women.

Abstract

Tibolone, which is indicated for the relief of climacteric symptoms and the prevention of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women, has a tissue-specific mode of action different to that of conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A large proportion of Asian postmenopausal women experience symptoms that most frequently include musculoskeletal pain, insomnia, forgetfulness, hot flushes and sexual dysfunction, and there is a need to address their specific requirements. Recent studies show that, in comparison to HRT, tibolone is as effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms and preventing bone loss, has a greater positive effect on sexual dysfunction and is associated with less vaginal bleeding, but it is rarely mentioned in guidelines for menopausal treatment. Levels of awareness amongst women about treatments for menopausal symptoms vary between Asian countries but, even in countries where awareness is high, HRT usage is much lower than in the West. To provide a practical approach to the use of tibolone in Asian postmenopausal women, a panel of experts in the management of menopause from 11 Asia Pacific countries has developed recommendations for its use, based on the evidence from clinical studies published since 2005. However, as much of the clinical data reviewed are from international studies, the recommendations and the treatment algorithm presented here are widely applicable.

• Authors: K-E Huang, R Baber, Asia Pacific Tibolone Consensus Group
• Journal: Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society (Climacteric) Vol. 13 Issue 4 Pg. 317-27 (Aug 2010) ISSN: 1473-0804 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20443720 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)

Chemical References

• Estrogen Receptor Modulators
• Norpregnenes
• tibolone

Topics

• Arthralgia
• Breast Neoplasms
• Cardiovascular Diseases
• Contraindications
• Estrogen Receptor Modulators
• Estrogen Replacement Therapy
• Female
• Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
• Hot Flashes (epidemiology)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Musculoskeletal Diseases (epidemiology, prevention & control)
• Norpregnenes (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal (prevention & control)
• Postmenopause
• Practice Guidelines as Topic
• Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
• Rural Population
• Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological (drug therapy)
• Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Urban Population