Effect of tibolone versus hormone replacement therapy on climacteric symptoms and psychological distress

The objective was to elucidate the effect of tibolone versus hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on climacteric symptoms and psychological distress.All consecutive women with climacteric symptoms were allocated to receive tibolone (2.5 mg) or estradiol valerate (1 mg) and medroxyprogesterone acetate (2.5 mg).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.Tibolone seems more beneficial than HRT in treating symptoms of dizziness and faintness. Both tibolone and HRT could improve psychological distress.