The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre has welcomed a government commitment to provide thousands of women with endometriosis access to new pain relief through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Health Minister Mark Butler announced that Relugolix with estradiol and norethisterone, known as Ryeqo, will be available from May 1, 2025, for patients who experience moderate to severe pain and have not found adequate relief from other hormonal treatments or painkillers.
The announcement follows a $573m funding boost for women’s health services in February.
Around 8,500 Australian women are expected to benefit from the subsidy. The drug costs $2,700 per year, but with PBS inclusion, the price will drop to between $92 and $380 – making it significantly more affordable.
The announcement was made during Endometriosis Awareness Month, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the estimated one in seven women in Australia who live with the condition.
Common symptoms include pelvic pain, painful periods, heavy bleeding, pain during intercourse, and bowel or bladder discomfort. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis takes an average of 7 to 12 years to diagnose, leaving many women struggling without appropriate medical support.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre Executive Director, Sally Stevenson, welcomed the move but called for further action.
“We welcome this announcement, which will make it significantly more affordable for women to access pain relief for a condition that can be debilitating,” she said.
“Endometriosis has been dismissed as a ‘women’s problem’ for too long, resulting in limited research and slow progress in improving diagnosis and treatment. We need a greater commitment from the government to fund research into women’s health conditions like endometriosis so we can diagnose earlier and treat more effectively.”
A 2019 report by Ernst & Young, commissioned by Endometriosis Australia, found that endometriosis costs the Australian economy $9.7 billion annually. The report estimated that the average cost per woman with endometriosis is $30,900 per year due to medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.
This economic burden, with delayed diagnoses and limited treatment options, underscores the need for more investment in endometriosis research and workplace support.
Internationally, Endometriosis UK has recommended that the UK Government commit to reducing diagnosis time to one year or less by 2030, according to its report Dismissed, Ignored and Belittled, published in March 2024.
Ms Stevenson advocates for similar commitments to improve diagnostic pathways and treatment access for Australian women.
The Illawarra Women’s Health Centre is hosting a morning tea on Friday, March 28 at 10am for women to learn more about endometriosis. Liz Depers, an endo warrior and advocate will run the session.
Ring the Centre on 4255 6800 or email info@womenshealthcentre.com.au to register your interest and for dietary requirements.
