A new daily drug for endometriosis has been approved for use in the NHS in England.

The drug, called Linzagolix, will soon be suitable for more than 1,000 women to help manage the symptoms of the disease.

It is estimated that endometriosis affects 1.5 million women in the UK - potentially causing chronic pain, heavy periods and extreme fatigue.

This happens when cells similar to the inner lining of the uterus grow in other parts of the body, such as the pelvis, bladder, and intestine.

Linzagolix is ​​the second pill available on the NHS.

In March, the National Institute of Health and Care (NICE) approved a similar treatment called Realugolix combination therapy.

The two pills are slightly different because Linzagolix will require additional "added" treatments, while Relugolix combination therapy combines the two.

Linzagolix is ​​priced at £80 per month for a pack of tablets, while Rorugolix's 28-day course costs £72.

• Pain prevents you from performing normal activities during severe periods
• Very heavy period
• You suffer when you poop or urinate
• Other symptoms may include lower abdomen pain, post-sex pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, depression, anxiety
• Difficult to get pregnant

Although endometriosis cannot be cured, current treatments include painkillers and hormone injections that temporarily shut down the production of estrogen in the body - hormones that cause the growth of endometriosis tissue and cause pain.

However, patients usually need to go to the hospital for injection, which lasts for three months.

In clinical trials, Linzagolix has been shown to reduce pain periods and non-menstrual pelvic pain compared to virtual drugs.

The pill works by blocking specific hormones, including estrogen.

British charity endometriosis says it will cause "medical menopause" and will be used with "added" hormone therapy.

"Supplement" therapies use low-dose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to prevent menopausal-like symptoms and bone loss.

Linzagolix is ​​only available for patients who have not succeeded in previous medical or surgical treatments.

Dr. Sue Mann, national clinical director of women’s health at NHS England, said the new drug is a welcome message for women with endometriosis.

“This is another treatment option that will help women control their health and better manage the symptoms of this often painful and debilitating condition.

“This is a testament to our ongoing commitment to improving women’s treatment, care and quality of life – allowing women to take more treatment options from the comfort of their homes.”

Women's Health Minister Merron said the daily medication could be thousands of women fighting endometriosis, which could be "a debilitating and longevity disease."

Endometriosis UK CEO Emma Cox said the charity welcomed Linzagolix's approval of the use of the NHS in England and called for "all other countries to approve the drug as an option available throughout the UK".

“There are too few options available due to the historic lack of research on endometriosis and we are pleased to see a good approval of this new endometriosis.”

The Minister of Wales has issued guidance to the NHS in Wales and has met good guidance, which requires them to fund and resources for newly approved treatments within 60 days.