13-08-2018
Endometriosis is a common condition - it is estimated that up to 1 in 10 women of reproductive age suffer from it. The symptoms of this entity are usually quite bothersome - they can be an increase in pain accompanying menstruation, but also lower abdominal pain between bleedings or dyspareunia (pain during intercourse). Endometriosis can also lead to problems getting pregnant - all of which means that new treatments for the disease are still being sought. Recently, the US FDA approved a completely new preparation that can help patients with endometriosis.
Treatment options for endometriosis are numerous: both pharmacological treatment (e.g. using preparations containing oestrogens and gestagens) and surgical treatment are used in this case. However, further treatment options for endometriosis are still being sought - a new preparation is now coming to the US market.
This preparation is a drug containing elagolix - this substance belongs to the inhibitors of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion. The ultimate effect of taking such a preparation is to reduce the production of oestrogen in the female body.
Studies on the efficacy of elagolix have yielded quite promising results - the remedy allowed for a significant alleviation of pain accompanying menstrual bleeding. The side effects of endometriosis patients taking the drug were also tested - it turned out that some women developed symptoms associated with reduced oestrogen levels, such as hot flashes, headaches and reduced bone mass.
For now, an endometriosis drug containing elagolix is set to hit the US market. It is possible that in some time the remedy will also find its way to Europe.
