Endometriosis New Zealand has applied to Pharmac for publicly funded access to two key hormonal treatments: Visanne (dienogest) as a first-line option and Ryeqo (relugolix with estradiol and norethisterone acetate) as a second-line therapy.
Endometriosis New Zealand chief executive Tanya Cooke said affordable and effective treatment options remain a major barrier to endometriosis care in the country.
“People with endometriosis deserve the same modern, evidence-based treatments that are routinely available overseas. These applications are about giving patients and their clinicians access to more tools to manage this complex and life-changing condition.”
Endometriosis impacts around 120,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand, leading to chronic pain, fatigue, fertility issues, and a major hit to quality of life. For many, it disrupts education, careers, relationships, and family life.
“Endometriosis presents differently for every person. No single treatment works for everyone, and outcomes vary between individuals. That is why having a range of funded hormonal options that sit alongside other treatment options is critical. This allows care to be tailored to the individual, their symptoms and stage of life.”
Hormonal treatments suppress oestrogen—the hormone fuelling endometriosis—to ease pain and cut the risk of symptoms recurring post-surgery.
“Visanne is already recommended as a first-line medication option in the Ministry of Health’s 2020 Diagnosis and Management of Endometriosis guidelines,” Dr Amelia Ryan, Gynaecologist and Clinical Advisory Committee member, said.
“Yet it remains unfunded, expensive, and at times, difficult to access.”
“It makes no sense that a medicine our own clinical guidelines recommend is effectively out of reach for many New Zealanders.”
Visanne receives public funding in countries like the UK and Australia, where it’s a standard part of endometriosis treatment.
Ryeqo, a newer combo therapy available but unfunded in New Zealand since July 2025, targets moderate-to-severe endometriosis pain in those not helped enough by other meds or surgery.
Ryeqo sees widespread use overseas, including in Australia and the UK.
For Cooke, “Without Pharmac funding, both medicines can cost hundreds of dollars every few months, putting them out of reach for many people, particularly those who have lost income due to their condition, are already struggling financially or face high healthcare costs.”
Dr Sarah Corbett, Specialist Gynaecologist and member of Endometriosis New Zealand’s Clinical Advisory Committee, stresses that neither Visanne nor Ryeqo cures endometriosis, and they won’t suit everyone.
“Endometriosis is complex. Some people respond well to hormonal treatments; for others, it doesn’t work so well. That’s why a range of options and personalised care is so important. These medicines give people and clinicians more choices – they represent additional tools in the treatment toolbox.”
Endometriosis New Zealand has partnered with both medicine suppliers to make these two treatments available in the country.
“These applications are about ensuring all those with endometriosis, regardless of their financial circumstances, have the same access to modern and effective treatment options,” Cooke said.
“New Zealanders should not be left behind while those overseas benefit from these treatments.”