Livial is one of a group of medicines called hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It is used for problems that may affect some women when their body no longer produces oestrogen for example after their change of life (or menopause). Instead of actual hormones (such as oestrogen and progestogen) it contains a substance which your body breaks down to make hormones. It is also used to prevent bones becoming brittle (osteoporosis) if you are unable to use other treatments.

Replacing lost hormones
At the time of the menopause (or after an operation to remove the ovaries) a woman's body stops producing the female hormone, oestrogen.
You may also have too little oestrogen if you are being treated for endometriosis with certain medication.
Whatever the reason, too little oestrogen may cause a range of problems: hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness or irritation, depressed mood or reduced sex drive.  HRT may help with some if not all of these problems.

Preventing brittle bones
Too little oestrogen coupled with natural ageing may also cause brittle bones (osteoporosis) which may break more easily.
If you are at an increased risk of fractures due to osteoporosis (thinning of the bones) but are unable to take other treatments or if other therapies prove to be ineffective, HRT may also be used for this purpose. Your doctor should discuss all the available options with you.