I am mid 50's and low libido has been my problem for 10 years or more.  I was given testosterone injections by my doctor about 7 years ago but they were to strong and caused androgenic symptoms.  I went off Testosterone injections and went on to natural testosterone cream and also natural progesterone - this combination did not realy do much for me but I stayed on it anyway for5 years since  I felt worse off it .  A month ago I started Livial and I am finding it really good for me - so far.  I feel "juicy" younger, energetic and my libido is the best ever.  Anybody else find Livial good?  Apparently Livial can convert into an estrogenic, testosterone and progestogenic hormone in the body. Yes it is probably a bit risky taking any HRT but I feel really good.  goldy

Hi goldy. What is "Livial"? and why is it risky? Jimi.

It's a prescription for menopausal symptoms and restored libido.  There seems to be many side effects, the list sounds very similar to PremPro, if not identical.  Blood clots, possible strokes, liver damage, nausea, rashes, diarreah, weight gain, maybe breast cancer, ETC.   It also takes months to see positive results.  

I think I'll stick with using herbs -  damiana (an herbal testosterone replacement found in many libido supplements for men and women) works well for me, I also take fo ti and most recently Peruvian Maca root, along with damiana.   May not be as strong as Livial, but few, if any, known side effects.  

(Edited by tiamaria at 8:42 am on Mar. 3, 2003)

tiamaria  How long after starting these supplements did it take before they started working. Do you take a tab with the damiana in it or can you buy just that. The side effects from livial  are far to greater risk to take to get your sex drive back, i don't feel it's worth taking that.  

Is Livial available in the USA?  I have heard good things about this form of HRT and it is approved in Europe.

Just noticed this old thread (again). Thought people might find it interesting.

I recently corresponded with an MD who is invovled in the Livial clinical trial going on in the US. She said that thus far Livial does not appear to stimulate the uterine lining (which agrees with the European studies). She also said that most people taking it tolerate it quite well. Unfortunately, Livial like estrogen, increases CRP levels, which increases the risk for heart attacks. We didn't discuss the libido issue.

CindyC, could you tell us more please? (What is the doctor's name, trial name, university involved, number of women, time of completion, any published informatiton etc.)

I take very low dose estradiol, and my C-reactive protein is fine. One of the side effects from Livial is depression, likely from the synthetic progesterone. I would likely react poorly, since I do to any type of progesterone. Also, Livial wasn't recommend if you're still cycling. Testosterone would likely accomplish the same thing.(I'd think) Also, why do they need the synthetic progesterone it it doesn't stimulate the uterine lining. Oh, where is my peri miracle cure????

Whoops, I meant natural testosterone would likely enhance libido. I sure this comes with a slew of side effects, as well, but I would think less is better with hormones.

Also, I can't always agree that natural equates with safe. Arsenic is natural. Herbs have not been tested, so it's pretty much uncharted territory.