From Menopausal Symptom Relief to Osteoporosis Prevention, Professor Eunsil Lee, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecological Studies, Rivial Soon Chun Hyang University

Today, I would like to introduce you to 'Rivial'. Rivial is a drug called tibolone that is used to improve menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis in women. Tibolone is a synthetic steroid that enters the body and is metabolized, producing all three properties of female hormones estrogen and progesterone, and male hormone androgen

1. What is Rivial?

Rivial is a menopausal hormone medication taken by postmenopausal women who have not yet reached menopause but are just before menopause and in the transition period of menopausal who are complaining of menopausal symptoms.

Rivial is effective in treating night sweats, sudden flushing of the face, and palpitations in the chest, as well as improving symptoms such as back pain, sleep disorders, and mood disorders, as well as preventing osteoporosis. Especially in women with mood disorders, Rivial may be a little more effective. You can feel a significant improvement in menopausal symptoms after taking it for more than 4 weeks, and it can also increase bone density if taken for a long time.

2. Differences from existing female hormone drugs

One of the reasons why people around the world are hesitant to take female hormones is breast cancer. Existing hormonal drugs have increased the risk of breast cancer if taken for more than 5~7 years. However, in the case of Rivial, long-term use does not increase the risk of breast cancer, so it can be taken continuously. In that sense, it's a very safe drug.

In addition, if you only take female hormones, the endometrium thickens, so you may need to take progesterone, which protects the lining. Rivial itself has the effect of female hormones, progesterone effects, and male hormones just by taking this one pill. Therefore, it may not thicken the endometrium, but may have additional effects such as increased muscle mass and improved muscle strength due to the effect of male hormones.

3. Do Women Need Testosterone?

Just because you're a woman doesn't mean you don't have any male hormones. Male hormones are also known as wellness hormones. If you don't have enough male hormones, you may feel weak and lose muscle strength.

4. Side Effects and Precautions

It seems that the most common side effect encountered in the doctor's office is weight gain. You don't gain weight because you gain fat. It is known that the action of male hormones can lead to weight gain by increasing muscle mass and water in the body. Women with a history of breast cancer are contraindicated to take Rivial because breast cancer can recur. Women with a history of breast cancer should be cautioned that not only Rivial but also other hormonal drugs are contraindicated.

Next, in women over 60 years of age who have never taken hormones, the first dose of hormones, as well as Rivial, may increase stroke. Therefore, it is not recommended for women over the age of 60 who have never taken hormone medication.