*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

How And When To Take Tibolone

NHS medicines information on dosage for tibolone, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.

It's important to take tibolone as your doctor tells you. Always follow the instructions from a pharmacist or doctor, or the leaflet in the medicine packet.

Dosage

The usual dose of tibolone is one 2.5mg tablet, taken once a day.

How to take it

Swallow your tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or crush it.

It's best to take it at the same time each day.

You can take it before or after food.

How long to take it for

How long you take tibolone for depends on your symptoms. It's common to take it for 2 to 5 years to treat menopause symptoms, but sometimes you may need to take it for longer.

How long you take HRT for depends on the benefits and risks to you. Ask your doctor for advice.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take your tibolone, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's more than 12 hours since your dose was due. In this case, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

Missing your dose can sometimes cause vaginal bleeding or spotting.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.

If you take too much

Taking an extra dose of tibolone is unlikely to harm you. If you're worried, talk to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Stopping tibolone

Talk to your doctor if you're thinking of stopping taking tibolone. They may suggest that you reduce your dose gradually, to help prevent your menopause symptoms coming back.

If you're having problems with side effects, your doctor might suggest changing your dose, or switching to another type of HRT.

Find out more about when to take HRT and stopping taking it

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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