What is tibolone and in what context is it used?

• A. A synthetic steroid with estrogenic, progestogenic, and androgenic effects, used in some countries for menopausal symptoms.
• B. A natural phytoestrogen with variable efficacy.
• C. A non-hormonal therapy for vasomotor symptoms.
• D. A vitamin supplement for bone health.

Answer: (A)

Tibolone is a synthetic steroid whose metabolism produces three active metabolites that give estrogen-like effects in some tissues, progestin-like effects in the endometrium, and androgen-like effects in others. This combination provides a single-tablet hormone therapy that can relieve menopausal vasomotor symptoms and improve urogenital and bone-related symptoms. It is used in several countries as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, offering an alternative to conventional estrogen–progestin regimens. It is not a natural phytoestrogen, not a non-hormonal therapy, and not a vitamin supplement.