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Effect of tibolone vs hormone replacement therapy on climacteric symptoms and psychological distress
Sheng-Mou Hsiao1,2,3, Shih-Cheng Liao4
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC.
Background:
The objective was to elucidate the effect of tibolone vs hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on climacteric symptoms and psychological distress.
Methods:
All consecutive women with climacteric symptoms were allocated to receive tibolone (2.5 mg) or estradiol valerate (1 mg) plus medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg).
Results:
The improvement in "feeling dizzy or faint" after tibolone treatment was more prominent than that after HRT (-0.7 ± 0.8 vs -0.0 ± 0.9, p = 0.004). In addition, other climacteric symptoms, including anxiety, depression, somatic symptoms, and vasomotor symptoms, and sexual function improved after tibolone and HRT, but there were no between-group differences. Psychological distress assessment demonstrated that somatic complaints, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depressive symptoms, hostility, additional symptoms, and the General Symptom Index improved after tibolone treatment and HRT, but there were no between-group differences. Personality traits assessment revealed that neuroticism improved after tibolone treatment.
Conclusion:
Tibolone seems more beneficial than HRT in treating symptoms of dizziness and faintness. Both tibolone and HRT could improve psychological distress.
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