In the Indian healthcare system, there is a silent epidemic of medical gaslighting. When women report pelvic pain or menstrual irregularities, they are often told it is “part of life” or “stress-related.”

However, “common” does not mean “normal.” Here are three critical gynaecological symptoms frequently dismissed by general practitioners that require specialist attention.

Period Pain That Disrupts Daily Life

If you reach for a hot water bag and pain medication every month just to survive the day, your period pain is not normal—it’s a red flag.

The Myth:

“Period pain is a woman’s lot in life.”

The Reality:

Severe dysmenorrhea (painful periods) that interferes with work, school, or daily activities is a clinical indicator of underlying conditions.

What it might indicate:

• Endometriosis: In India, women wait an average of 7 to 9 years for an endometriosis diagnosis because early symptoms are dismissed
• Adenomyosis: A condition where the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, causing debilitating cramps

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding With Large Clots

Many Indian women suffer from chronic fatigue and anemia, assuming it’s due to poor diet. Often, the real culprit is hidden in their menstrual cycle.

The Myth:

“It’s just heavy flow; it runs in the family.”

The Reality:

If you’re changing a pad or tampon every 1–2 hours or passing clots larger than a ₹5 coin, you have menorrhagia (abnormally heavy bleeding).

What it might indicate:

• Uterine fibroids: These non-cancerous growths are extremely common in women aged 30–40
• Untreated menorrhagia leads to severe iron deficiency anemia and potential reproductive complications

Persistent Bloating and Pelvic Heaviness

That feeling of fullness in your lower abdomen that doesn’t resolve after using the bathroom or changing your diet isn’t “just gas.”

The Myth:

“It’s your digestion or slow metabolism.”

The Reality:

Persistent pelvic pressure or visible abdominal distension unrelated to weight gain requires immediate ultrasound investigation.

What it might indicate:

• Ovarian cysts or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Pelvic organ prolapse, especially in postpartum women

Other Commonly Dismissed Symptoms

Painful intercourse (dyspareunia): Often dismissed as “post-marriage nerves” or stress. Could indicate pelvic floor dysfunction or endometriosis.

Spotting between periods: Often dismissed as “hormonal fluctuation.” Requires screening for cervical polyps or PCOS.

Chronic fatigue: Often dismissed as “work stress.” Frequently caused by anemia from heavy menstrual blood loss.

When to Seek a Second Opinion From a Gynaecologist

If your gynaecologist dismisses your symptoms without performing a physical examination or ordering a pelvic ultrasound (USG), consult a specialist immediately. Accurate diagnosis begins with a doctor who listens.

Expert Tip: Maintain a symptom journal for two menstrual cycles. Document the number of pads used per day, pain intensity (1–10 scale), and any missed work days. Bringing objective data to your appointment makes it harder for symptoms to be dismissed and helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.

About Dr. Vivek Salunke

Dr. Vivek Salunke is a senior laparoscopic surgeon based in Mumbai, India, with over 20 years of experience in endometriosis and fertility-preserving surgery.

He leads the Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Centre and is known for his ethical, patient-centered care and advanced excision techniques.