The lengthy diagnosis period underscores the historical substandard care associated with endometriosis, prompting calls for better management and treatment options.

Unlike existing injectable treatments that can worsen symptoms initially, this pill can be taken at home, providing a faster and more convenient option for managing endometriosis.

A report from the Women and Equalities Committee has urged the NHS to enhance treatment and diagnosis for reproductive health conditions, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis.

Endometriosis, a condition affecting approximately 1.5 million women in the UK, occurs when tissue similar to the womb lining grows outside the uterus, leading to severe pain and potential fertility issues, often taking nearly nine years for diagnosis.

The drug's approval followed the submission of new evidence by its manufacturer, Gedeon Richter, which addressed earlier concerns from NICE regarding its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness.

A new daily pill for treating endometriosis, named relugolix, has been approved by the NHS, marking a significant advancement in women's health.

This treatment is particularly beneficial for women who have not found relief from other medical or surgical options.

Clinical trials demonstrated that relugolix significantly reduced pain compared to placebo, with a response rate of 75% for dysmenorrhoea and 59%-66% for non-menstrual pelvic pain at 24 weeks.

While Endometriosis UK welcomed the approval, they noted that relugolix CT induces a type of 'medical menopause' combined with hormone replacement therapy, limiting its suitability to a small portion of those affected.

As the only licensed GnRH antagonist available, relugolix offers a secondary medical option compared to GnRH agonists, which are limited to six months of use.

The cost of relugolix is set at £72 for a 28-day supply, making it accessible for those who need it.

Dr. Hilary Jones highlighted the urgent need for improved diagnosis, as many women may wait over ten years to receive proper care due to symptoms that mimic other conditions.