Hoorah for some positive women’s health news! A new endometriosis pill has been made available on the NHS in England, in what’s being a called a “first-of-its-kind” step forward in treating the debilitating disease.
For years, endometriosis sufferers have campaigned and fought to be heard and treated by the medical profession – the widely-misunderstood disease is often described as having no real ‘cure’, with surgery and hormone treatments often used as a means of managing pain.
Endometriosis affects around 1.5 million women in the UK, causing chronic pain and fatigue when tissue similar to the womb lining grows elsewhere in the body. Despite its widespread impact, diagnosis typically takes nine years from when symptoms first appear. Today’s news is particularly welcome, since patients have long been campaigning for more research into the disease – not to mention more accessible treatment choices.
The new pill will offer a more convenient and less taxing option for patients, unlike existing injectable medications. Known as ‘Ryeqo’, the tablet works as a form of ‘medical menopause’, which works by blocking specific hormones that contribute to endometriosis – and though it’s undoubtedly a step forward, charity Endometriosis UK cautions that it will likely only help a small proportion of those with the condition.
“For those with a history of previous medical or surgical treatment for their endometriosis, Relugolix CT [Ryeqo] is an alternative option if treatments such as tranexamic acid, hormonal contraceptives, and intrauterine delivery systems have not worked or are unsuitable,” the organisation shared in a statement.
It adds: “In addition to the creation of new treatments, Endometriosis UK is keen to see more investment in research to find the cause of the disease, better management and treatment options, and one day a cure.”
NICE has stated that the pill is expected to help around 1,000 people a year. Here’s everything we know about the new treatment.
What is the endometriosis pill?
Ryeqo is a brand name for the ingredient relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone, which is also sometimes referred to as relugolix combination therapy, or ‘medical menopause’.
The science part: “Relugolix combination therapy (CT) is an all-in-one tablet containing the gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, Relugolix; and add-back hormonal therapy (ABT, commonly known as hormone replacement therapy) estradiol (oestrogen) and norethisterone acetate (progestogen),” Endometriosis UK has explained in its statement.
The pill can be taken at home, and combines multiple hormones into a single pill, meaning patients can manage their own treatment rather than making regular clinic visits or having to inject themselves.
Another of its benefits is that it can be stopped and started more easily than other hormone treatments, with hormone levels returning to normal faster than the alternatives – which is helpful for those who want to try for a baby (since hormone treatments cannot be used by those trying for pregnancy).
How does it work?
Essentially, the pill is a tablet version of other hormone therapies, which works by blocking the hormones that contribute to endometriosis. NICE states that it can work more quickly than alternative injectable medications, and combines all needed hormones in one pill.
For a full understanding of Ryeqo and how it works – and whether it’s suitable for you – we recommend Endometriosis UK’s detailed report.
Who can get the endometriosis pill?
The pill will only be available to those who have already found other treatments unsuccessful, meaning it will unfortunately only benefit a small number of patients at this time. As NICE states: “The treatment will be available through routine NHS commissioning for patients for whom medical or surgical treatment for endometriosis has failed.”
If you think you might be eligible, it’s best to get in touch with your GP.
If you are affected by the symptoms mentioned in this article, you are not alone. For support, you can contact the Endometriosis UK helpline on 0808 808 2227, or access support resources on the charity’s website.