NICE has approved the use of once-a-day pill linzagolix for NHS patients in England who have had previous treatment for endometriosis. It will be available in the coming months, according to NHS England.

Linzagolix will be given alongside ‘add-back' hormone therapy, which involves using low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent menopause-like symptoms and bone loss.

In clinical trials, linzagolix was shown to reduce painful periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain, compared with placebo.

Dr Sue Mann, national clinical director in women's health for NHS England, said: ‘This is welcome news for women with endometriosis who haven't found relief from previous therapies or surgery – it's another treatment option which will help women take control of their health and better manage the symptoms of this often painful and debilitating condition.

‘This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to improving treatment, care and quality of life for women – and follows the approval just months ago of the first long-term daily pill for managing endometriosis on the NHS, giving women more choice in treatment they can take in the comfort of their own homes.'

It is the second take-at-home treatment to be approved to treat endometriosis, after relugolix combination therapy – the first long-term pill licensed to treat the condition – was approved for NHS use in March.

Women's health minister, Baroness Merron, said: ‘After years of neglect in women's health, we are turning the tide - backing new treatments like linzagolix, cutting diagnosis times and slashing waiting lists.

‘Through our Plan for Change, we will make sure the NHS is there for all women when they need it.'