What is Linzagolix and How Can it Help Fibroids?

Linzagolix (commonly called Yselty) is a medication used to help treat Fibroids (and Endometriosis).

It is part of a group of medicines known as 'GnRH analogues'. What this means is it works by interrupting the hormone cycles in place that normally control the menstrual cycle. Hormones are regulated by pathways with the brain, and these medications interrupt this cycle to ultimately lower oestrogen levels.

Fibroids love oestrogen and the oestrogen encourages their growth. This is why many fibroids naturally shrink on their own when women enter menopause and oestrogen levels drop.

Linzagolix is a tablet that is taken once a day by swallowing it with water, usually at a dose of 100mg or 200mg. The medication then lowers the body's oestrogen levels which can help stop the growth of the fibroids.

Women who are below the natural age of menopause (under 44 years old) need oestrogen to help protect our bones, heart and overall health. Therefore Linzagolix is often given with another medication, called 'add-back therapy' (ABT). This 'tops up' at a consistent level the missing oestrogen.

Side effects

This treatment option is what doctors call a 'medical menopause' or 'chemical menopause'. It is putting the body into a temporary menopause state to help shrink the fibroids and improve your symptoms. When the treatment is stopped, the 'menopause' state is reversible.

Some people don't notice many side effects, or if they do the side effects are not as bothersome as the symptoms they were experiencing with the fibroids.

The side effects are similar to menopause symptoms:

• hot flushes
• night sweats
• fatigue
• joint pains
• vaginal dryness
• insomnia

Pregnancy

It is important to know that it is not safe to become pregnant when on this treatment, and so non-hormonal contraception methods need to be used when taking this.

Medical disclaimer - This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis or medical advice. Heavy bleeding, long periods, bleeding in between periods, or non-stop bleeding should always be checked by a GP or healthcare professional. They can arrange scans or tests to find the cause and discuss the right treatment options for you.

Author, Dr Liz Murray June 2026

References:

• NICE Guidelines Online, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, April 2023, Health Topics A to Z > Fibroids, https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/fibroids/ (Accessed online, 2026)
• BNF, https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/linzagolix/ (accessed online, 2026)
•  National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018) Dysmenorrhoea: ClinicalKnowledge Summary 2014
• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2018) Heavy menstrual bleeding:assessment and management
• Medscape, NICE Backs Oral Treatment Linzagolix for Endometriosis, https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/nice-backs-oral-treatment-linzagolix-endometriosis-2025a1000ap3