A new daily pill to treat endometriosis <\/strong>symptoms has been approved for use on the NHS in England, offering patients a non-invasive alternative to existing treatments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The relugolix combination therapy, which helps regulate hormone levels, will only be available to those who have exhausted all other options, benefiting an estimated 1,000 women per year<\/strong>, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting around 1.5 million women<\/strong> in the UK, causing severe pain, fatigue, and fertility issues. Despite its prevalence, treatment options remain limited, often requiring hormonal therapies or surgery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The newly approved relugolix combination therapy offers a more convenient approach, as it can be taken at home, unlike current injectable hormone treatments that require hospital visits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to NICE, this oral therapy blocks specific hormones contributing to endometriosis growth, while also supplying replacement hormones to prevent side effects linked to hormonal suppression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, its availability is strictly regulated, with NHS <\/strong>access granted only to patients <\/a>who have found no relief from existing medical or surgical interventions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite the approval, patient groups and charities warn that the new pill will only benefit a small fraction of those living with endometriosis. According to Emma Cox<\/strong>, chief executive of Endometriosis UK, while the drug offers greater choice, it will not address the widespread need for better diagnosis and treatment<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“It feels like you\u2019re being left in the dark,” she told the BBC<\/a>, highlighting the desperation many patients feel in seeking effective care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n