A groundbreaking oral treatment for endometriosis has been approved for use on the National Health Service (NHS) in England and Wales. The drug, known as Relugolix combination therapy (Ryeqo), was authorised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) on March 14, 2025, but will only be available to patients who have exhausted all other treatment options.
Endometriosis is a debilitating condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, affecting 10-15 per cent of women of reproductive age. The disorder is often characterised by severe menstrual pain, heavy bleeding, and chronic pelvic pain, significantly impacting quality of life. Misdiagnosis is common, leading to unnecessary suffering and prolonged delays in effective treatment.
Current treatments typically include pain relief, hormone injections that suppress oestrogen production, and, in severe cases, surgery. Unlike these injectable treatments, Ryeqo is an all-in-one tablet that can be taken at home. It works by blocking specific hormones responsible for endometriosis symptoms while also providing essential hormone replacement, reducing the need for multiple therapies.
The approval of this pill marks a significant advancement in endometriosis treatment, offering patients a more convenient and potentially effective alternative.
(Adapted from www.bbc.com)
(Compiled by Catherine Male)
