The common signs of endometriosis – as new treatment drug gets NHS approval
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A new combination pill has been given the green light by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) to treat endometriosis on the NHS.
Relugolix–estradiol–norethisterone (also known as relugolix combination therapy or Ryeqo) is the first long-term daily treatment approved for endometriosis, working by blocking hormones that contribute to the condition, while also delivering essential hormone replacement.
Unlike injectable treatments, which can initially worsen symptoms, the pill can be taken at home, acts more quickly, and removes the need for clinic visits.
It will be available on the NHS for patients whose previous medical or surgical treatments have been ineffective.
The charity Endometriosis UK also noted that the drug may be suitable for only a small proportion of the 1.5 million women with the disease.
Initially, Nice rejected the drug’s use, but the manufacturer, Gedeon Richter, submitted additional evidence that addressed concerns regarding its effectiveness and cost-efficiency.
We spoke with leading endometriosis experts who debunked some common myths about the condition and highlighted several of its key symptoms.
What is endometriosis?
“Endometriosis is a chronic and often very painful condition affecting millions of women worldwide,” says Dr Lucy Coyne, medical director at Care Fertility. “It occurs when tissue from the lining of the uterus (womb) grows outside the uterus, leading to a range of symptoms that can significantly impact daily life and fertility.“It is the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK.”
What are some common myths about the condition?
A common misconception about the condition is that the symptoms are simply a heavy or painful period.
“Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, not just painful periods,” clarifies Coyne. “The pain can occur at any time during the cycle and may affect daily life, including work, relationships, and mental health.”
Another myth is that if you have endometriosis, you are infertile.
“While 30–50% of women with endometriosis may have fertility challenges, many can still conceive naturally or with fertility treatments,” explains Coyne. “Early diagnosis and management can help improve fertility outcomes.”What are the common symptoms?
“Key symptoms to look out for are; painful and sometimes heavy periods that affect day to day life, pain during or after sex, chronic fatigue, issues with bowel movements or urination, especially in and around periods and difficulty conceiving,” highlights Coyne. “Symptoms can vary significantly from person to person with some patients having debilitating symptoms and some being completely asymptomatic.”How is endometriosis diagnosed?“If you suspect you have endometriosis, it is a good idea to speak to your GP in the first instance who will take a history from you and examine you,” advises Mr Hemant Vakharia, consultant gynaecologist, specialising in endometriosis and advanced minimal access surgery at London Gynaecology. “Often, they will request an ultrasound of the pelvis and discuss the results with you.”However, endometriosis does not always show up on standard imaging, such as ultrasounds or MRIs.“This is especially true in superficial endometriosis where the signs can be very subtle or when the disease affects areas not easily visualised,” highlights Vakharia. “If you have been told your scan is normal but have persistent symptoms, such as chronic pelvic pain, heavy periods, or pain during sex, it’s essential to advocate for yourself and seek a specialist for further evaluation.”
When should you seek medical help?
“It can be difficult to differentiate between ‘normal’ periods and ‘heavy or painful’ periods as there is often no objective way of comparing,” says Mr Narendra Pisal, consultant gynaecologist at London Gynaecology. “A lot of women just put up with that ‘time of the month’ and are told to get on with it.“However, if you have to put your life on hold for those few days or if your sex life is affected by pain during sex, it is time to take note and ask for some tests.”Pisal acknowledges that it can be challenging for a GP to identify the root cause during a 10-minute appointment, so suggests keeping a diary to track when your symptoms occur and how intense the pain is.
What treatment options are available for endometriosis?“Patients can be treated with the combined pill, progesterone-only pill, progesterone intrauterine device or surgery,” says Vakharia. “Sometimes, we also use medications that induce a temporary menopause by blocking hormonal signals to the ovary which reduces stimulation of the endometriotic tissue. This option is often used before surgery for severe disease.“A laparoscopy will allow diagnosis and excision of disease which can improve symptoms. In patients with severe disease, they may need a two-stage procedure.”
