Tibolone vs Medroxyprogesterone: side-by-side comparison
Tibolone (Synthetic steroid (STEAR)) and Medroxyprogesterone (Progestin) belong to different therapeutic classes and are rarely substitutes for each other. The comparison is useful when a single patient is weighing both options for adjacent or overlapping needs.
| Property | Tibolone | Medroxyprogesterone |
|---|---|---|
| Therapeutic class | Synthetic steroid (STEAR) | Progestin |
| CAS | 5630-53-5 | 520-85-4 |
| ATC | G03CX01 | G03DA02 |
| Molecular weight | 312.45 g/mol | 344.49 g/mol |
| Brands with this active ingredient | 1 | 1 |
What they share
Tibolone and Medroxyprogesterone share the common regulatory framework for prescription active ingredients, bioequivalence standards for generics, and pharmacist oversight. Beyond that, points in common are limited.
Key differences
Tibolone acts by a different mechanism than Medroxyprogesterone, with indications that barely overlap. Comparing the two is useful when a clinician has mentioned both in the same context or the patient wants to understand why one was prescribed instead of the other.
Mechanisms compared
Tibolone: Tibolone is a prodrug; on absorption it is rapidly converted to three active metabolites (3α-OH-tibolone, 3β-OH-tibolone and Δ4-tibolone) with different tissue-selective activity. Medroxyprogesterone: MPA binds progesterone receptors and produces strong progestational effects: thickening cervical mucus, inhibiting ovulation, thinning the endometrium and reducing hot flashes.
Indications compared
Tibolone: Tibolone is approved (in countries where licensed) for treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor menopausal symptoms and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis in women at least 12 months past their last natural menst… Medroxyprogesterone: MPA is approved for amenorrhoea, abnormal uterine bleeding due to hormonal imbalance, prevention of endometrial hyperplasia in postmenopausal women receiving estrogen, and prevention of pregnancy (depot formulation).
Safety profile
Tibolone: Common adverse effects include vaginal bleeding or spotting (especially in the first 3 months), breast tenderness, weight changes, headache and dizziness. Medroxyprogesterone: Common adverse effects of oral MPA include irregular bleeding, breast tenderness, mood changes, fluid retention and weight gain.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tibolone better than Medroxyprogesterone? ▾
Tibolone and Medroxyprogesterone are not "better or worse" — they treat different things. The sensible question is which fits your specific need.
Can Tibolone and Medroxyprogesterone be combined? ▾
Whether they can be combined depends on the indications and the interaction profile of each. If both are in a single prescription, the prescriber has weighed it; in self-medication they should never be combined.
Do they have the same side-effect profile? ▾
No — they belong to different classes and have distinct side-effect profiles. Each has its own prescribing information.
Products with Tibolone
Products with Medroxyprogesterone
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.