Daily Pill Now Available to Treat Endometriosis: How Can it Help?

Endometriosis is a health condition that affects many women in the U.S. and around the world. It happens when tissue that’s normally found inside the uterus starts growing onto the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or, in rare cases, nearby organs. When this happens, it can cause a lot of pain and other health problems.

Recently, a new daily treatment became available that can help with the effects brought on by the disease.

What are the symptoms of endometriosis?

The main symptom of endometriosis is pain, which can happen in different parts of the body. Common signs include:

• Painful periods: If your periods are very painful, it might be a sign of endometriosis. The pain can be worse than usual cramps.
• Pain during sex: Some people with endometriosis feel pain during or after having sex.
• Chronic pelvic pain: This means pain in the lower part of the belly that doesn’t go away and can last for a long time.
• Pain when using the bathroom: Sometimes, people with endometriosis feel pain when they need to use the bathroom, especially during their period.
• Heavy periods: Some people with endometriosis bleed more than usual during their period.

Other symptoms can include feeling tired, having trouble getting pregnant, or having digestive issues like bloating and constipation.

How do doctors treat endometriosis?

Endometriosis can be hard to treat, but there’re ways to manage it, including:

• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen can help with pain. Your doctor may suggest stronger medicine, if needed.
• Hormonal treatment: Hormones can be used to control the growth of the endometriosis tissue. This can help reduce pain and stop the tissue from growing.
• Surgery: If the pain is severe or other treatments don’t work, surgery may be needed. Your surgeon will try to remove the extra tissue, which can help with the pain.
• Lifestyle changes: Some people find that regular exercise, healthy eating, and relaxation can help manage their symptoms.

Are there any new treatments for endometriosis?

Recently, a new treatment was approved for use in the U.S. and England that can change the way endometriosis is managed. Relugolix/estradiol/norethisterone (or norethindrone) acetate, commonly known as relugolix combination therapy, is a daily pill regimen that blocks specific hormones that contribute to endometriosis, and provides necessary hormone replacement. The pill is said to help reduce pain and may slow the growth of endometriosis tissue. It has the potential to give endometriosis patients another option for managing their condition, especially for those who don’t want or can’t have surgery.

What should you do if you think you have endometriosis?

If you think you might have endometriosis, it’s important to talk to a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in how you feel, and can help prevent more serious problems later on.

Endometriosis can be tough, but with the right treatment, people with the condition can manage the pain and live healthy, active lives. If you have any of the symptoms listed above, please reach out to Dr. Angela Reyes-Truong, medical director of obstetrics and gynecology.