Is Menstrual Health Holding You Back? How To Achieve Better Menstrual Health?

Is Menstrual Health Holding You Back? How To Achieve Better Menstrual Health?

28 May, 2025

Menstruation is a normal feature of every woman’s life, and yet women typically experience hurdles, stigma, and silence when dealing with it. At Sunrise Hospitals, we understand that menstrual health is essential to the overall health of women, and we want to help provide every woman with the support, care and respect that every woman deserves.

At Sunrise Hospital, we have the Best Gynecologist in Kottayam to help you achieve healthy menstruation.

Here we talk about the majority of problems women face when it comes to menstrual health, the importance of a Gynaecologist consultation, and explain how Sunrise Hospitals will give you world-class quality care.

What Does "Menstrual cycle" Mean?

The menstrual cycle is a monthly process that prepares a woman's body for pregnancy. The cycle usually lasts between 21 and 35 days and is marked by the shedding of the uterine lining during menstruation.

Menstrual cycle, or the time a woman bleeds, typically lasts 3–7 days.

Menstrual time marks the beginning of a cycle and is the first significant sign and measure of women's reproductive health.

Menstrual time is more than just the biological—it can affect women's day-to-day lives on a physical, emotional and mental level.

Pain, emotional instability, exhaustion, and social awkwardness often come along with the time of the month.

What Are the Most Common Symptoms During Menstruation?

While menstruation is natural, the symptoms associated with it can be disruptive.

Many women experience:

Cramping (Dysmenorrhea): Ranging from mild discomfort to debilitating pain in the lower abdomen, back, and thighs.

Mood Swings: Irritability, anxiety, and depression linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly before menstruation begins.

Bloating and Water Retention: Causing discomfort and a heavy feeling in the body.

Headaches or Migraines: Often triggered by falling oestrogen levels.

Breast Tenderness: Sensitive, swollen breasts due to hormonal shifts.

Acne and Skin Breakouts: Common in the days leading up to menstruation due to increased androgens.

Fatigue: Both physical exhaustion and mental sluggishness are common.

Digestive Changes: Such as diarrhoea or constipation, influenced by prostaglandin levels.

These symptoms are not just nuisances—they can significantly affect productivity, mood, and quality of life.

What About When Menstruation Isn’t Normal?

Abnormal periods can be signs of underlying medical conditions.

Some red flags include:

Heavy bleeding (Menorrhagia): Soaking through sanitary products every hour, passing large clots, or prolonged periods lasting more than 7 days.

Irregular periods: Skipping months, or cycles longer than 35 days or shorter than 21.

Severe cramps unrelieved by medication: Could signal endometriosis or fibroids.

Spotting between periods: Might point to hormonal imbalance or infections.

No periods (Amenorrhea): Caused by stress, weight loss, thyroid disorders, or conditions like PCOS.

These symptoms should not be ignored. They require timely medical evaluation and care.

Why Is It Important to Understand the Struggles of Menstrual Health?

Menstrual health is so much more than just bleeding each month! It includes all the physical experiences of monthly cramps and tiredness, the emotional ups and downs, and it also includes the social or cultural taboos which can shield and marginalise women.

Conditions That Affect Menstrual Health

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Causes irregular or absent periods, excessive facial hair, acne, obesity, and fertility challenges. Women with PCOS also face insulin resistance and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Endometriosis: When uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to extremely painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and sometimes infertility.

Fibroids: Benign tumours in the uterus causing heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure symptoms.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of PMS with intense mood swings, anxiety, depression, and fatigue that impair daily life.

Common struggles include:

• Limited Access to Menstrual Products: Women in underprivileged areas often lack access to hygienic products, leading to infections and discomfort.

• Lack of Menstrual Education: Many girls and women are not taught about menstrual health, leading to misconceptions and unhygienic practices.

• Stigma and Shame: In many societies, menstruation is considered unclean or inappropriate for discussion.

• Inadequate Sanitation Facilities: Poor facilities in schools or workplaces hinder the hygienic management of periods.

• Menstrual Disorders: Conditions like PCOS, dysmenorrhea, and endometriosis can cause severe pain and disruption.

• Mental Health Challenges: PMS and hormonal fluctuations can trigger anxiety, depression, and mood swings.

• Menopause and Perimenopause: These life stages bring about major hormonal changes, affecting menstrual health.

Understanding these challenges is the first step in addressing them effectively.

How a Gynaecologist is essential for Menstrual Health?

A gynaecologist plays an indispensable role in diagnosing and treating menstrual-related issues. Regular visits can help detect underlying disorders early, provide relief from symptoms, and promote overall reproductive health.

If you are searching for the best gynaecologist in Kottayam, Sunrise Hospital offers access to a team of highly experienced and compassionate professionals.

Gynaecologists offer expert care for:

• Irregular or heavy periods

• Painful menstruation

• Hormonal imbalances

• Menopause symptoms

• Fertility concerns

• Reproductive tract infections

At Sunrise Hospital, we believe that every woman deserves personalised, respectful care. Our specialists ensure you are comfortable, informed, and supported throughout your journey.

Who Are the Expert Gynaecologists at Sunrise Hospital?

Sunrise Hospital is proud to be home to some of the best gynaecologists in Kottayam, each with decades of experience and a deep commitment to women’s health.

Dr Omana Thomas – Senior Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

With over 30 years of experience, Dr Omana Thomas is renowned for her gentle approach, clinical precision, and unwavering dedication to patient care. She specialises in prenatal care, childbirth, gynaecological treatments, and women’s wellness.

Academic Qualification:

• MBBS – Calicut Medical College – 1981

• DGO – Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru – 1989

Professional Experience: Dr Omana Thomas has served in numerous reputed hospitals, including Marian Medical Centre, Pala, and S.H Medical Centre, Kottayam. Her long-standing career is marked by trust and excellence.

Dr Hafeez Rahman Padiyath – Leading the Way in Menstrual & Reproductive Surgery

MBBS, MD, DNB, FCLS

Chairman, Sunrise Group of Hospitals

World-Renowned Laparoscopic Surgeon | Healthcare Entrepreneur | Medical Educator | Philanthropist

The Miracle Doctor in Women’s Health

Dr. Hafeez Rahman Padiyath is globally recognised as a pioneer in laparoscopic gynaecological surgery, with a legacy spanning over three decades. Often referred to as “The Miracle Doctor” by international peers, he is credited with performing over 200,000 laparoscopic procedures, including 13,000+ laparoscopic hysterectomies—a record-setting milestone in modern gynaecology.

Dr. Hafeez’s contributions to minimally invasive surgery have not only revolutionised patient outcomes across Asia and the Middle East but have also set international standards in gynaecological surgical techniques. He is among the few surgeons in the world performing complex gynaecological cancer surgeries entirely laparoscopically.

Compassionate Care for Complex Women’s Health Issues

At the heart of Dr. Hafeez’s practice is his deep commitment to addressing the nuanced and often debilitating symptoms women face due to hormonal and reproductive health conditions. As the lead surgeon and visionary at the Gynaecology Department of Sunrise Hospital, his work focuses on tackling real-world issues affecting countless women, including:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A condition marked by hormonal imbalance, weight fluctuations, acne, irregular periods, and emotional distress. Dr. Hafeez takes an integrative approach combining medical management with surgical options for those with resistant cases.

Endometriosis: Known for causing intense pelvic pain, heavy periods, and infertility, endometriosis can severely impact quality of life. Dr. Hafeez is internationally respected for his advanced laparoscopic excision techniques, offering relief to patients even in the most advanced stages of the condition.

Menstrual Health Disorders: From severe cramping and irregular cycles to unexplained bleeding, Dr. Hafeez and his team offer precise diagnoses and minimally invasive treatments that prioritise rapid recovery and long-term well-being.

Mood Swings and Chronic Pelvic Pain: Often overlooked symptoms, these are given clinical attention under his care, ensuring holistic support for every patient.

An Architect of Global Surgical Standards

Dr. Hafeez is celebrated not just as a surgeon but also as a global educator and innovator. He has:

Trained over 10,000 doctors across 7+ countries including the UAE, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Bangladesh.

Performed surgeries in more than 35,000 complex gynaecological cases, making him one of the most experienced laparoscopic surgeons globally.

Served as training faculty in prestigious Ministry Hospitals in the UAE, and as consultant at International Modern Hospital, Dubai.

His contributions were recognised by Dr. Rasad Pasic (USA) in the American Journal of Endoscopy, who dubbed him the “Miracle Doctor” after witnessing the precision and volume of his daily surgical cases.

Pioneering Roles & Global Recognition

Founder & Chairman, Sunrise Group of Hospitals (2005–Present)

Vice President, IMAGES – Indian Society of Minimal Access & Gynaecological Endoscopy

Hon. Joint Secretary, Federation of Obstetric & Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI)

Former Youngest Secretary & Chairman, FOGSI

Founder Vice President, IMAGE Gynae Endoscopy Society

Hon. Secretary, Indian Faculty of Endosonography and Endoscopy

Awards & Accolades

Dr. Hafeez Rahman’s outstanding contributions have earned him numerous national and international honours, including:

Shan Ratnam Award, AOFOG, Singapore

R. K Patel Award, India

Master’s Award, FOGSI

Manappuram MBA Award, 2024

Excellence in Public Service, Lions Club, Kochi

Jeevan Raksha Award, Servants of Society

Award for Women’s Health Excellence, Johnson & Johnson

Kerala Management Association Award

Vibrant Publications Award

A Born Surgeon and Visionary Leader

Beyond surgical skill, Dr. Hafeez is a gifted artist and ambidextrous, a rare trait that enhances his surgical dexterity. His natural precision, visionary leadership, and commitment to compassionate care have made him a figure of global admiration and an inspiration to generations of doctors.

Through his work at Sunrise Institute of Medical Sciences, he is shaping the future of healthcare by fostering excellence in clinical training, innovation, and research.

Training the Next Generation of Surgeons

Dr. Hafeez is one of the most sought-after mentors in laparoscopic gynaecological surgery. His structured training programmes, based out of Sunrise Hospital in Kochi, India, attract doctors from around the world:

Key Programmes Offered

4-Day TLH & Pelvic Floor Repair Course

15-Day Basic & Advanced Laparoscopic Gynaec Training

30-Day Intensive Laparoscopic Course

3-Month & 6-Month Fellowship Programmes

Legacy in Motion

Whether transforming the surgical landscape through innovation, guiding the next generation of medical professionals, or providing hope and healing to women struggling with reproductive health issues, Dr. Hafeez Rahman Padiyath continues to redefine what’s possible in modern medicine.

He is not only a master surgeon but also a symbol of empathy, excellence, and enduring impact in women’s healthcare.

Patient feedback testimonials

Rekha Menon, Kottayam

i had endometriosis for long time an was tired of all the pain. other treatments was too painfull an slow to recover. but after meet dr hafeez, everything changed. his surgery was fast and not much pain. i was walking in few days. he was very nice an calm, explain things well.

Asha Thomas, Ernakulam

when i got pcos i was very confuse an scared. dr hafeez made me feel better from 1st meet. he told me all option clearly. surgery was fast and i didnt need lot of leave. now my periods is regular and i feel good.

Fathima S, Dubai

I came dubai to kochi just for dr hafeez. i had big fibroids an was worry about surgery. but he explain everthing and made me feel relax. surgery was success and i recover quick. his team also help lot with all thing. very good experiance.

What Services Does Sunrise Hospital Offer for Women’s Health?

At Sunrise Hospital, we provide a holistic approach to women’s health. Our scope of services includes:

• Menstrual health-related issues

• Laparoscopic surgery

• Care throughout the pregnancy process (ante and post-natal)

• Fertility treatments

• Hormonal treatment for menopause

• Diagnosis and treatment of menstrual disorders

• Endometriosis treatment

• Fibroids treatment

At Sunrise Hospital, with our Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, we can provide you with compassionate care in an evidence-based practice - a practice designed specifically for "you". We provide care from adolescence to menopause and everything in between.

How Does Sunrise Hospital Care for Your Health?

Sunrise Hospital is Kerala’s fastest-growing healthcare network. We are dedicated to offering high-quality medical care through minimally invasive procedures and a patient-first approach.

Why Choose Us?

• Advanced technology and international standards

• World-class laparoscopic expertise

• Personalised treatment plans

• Comfortable recovery and reduced hospital stay

• Compassionate care from experienced professionals

We are also well-known for our commitment to global compassion, ensuring a seamless healthcare experience for international patients as well.

How Important Is a Gynaecologist in Managing Menstrual Health?

Menstrual health is closely linked to your overall health and reproductive health. A gynaecologist can guide you through this important part of life, particularly during challenging periods of life such as adolescence, disorders of menstruation, and menopause.

At Sunrise Hospital, we support early diagnosis and treatment of more serious menstrual disorders with specialists, including Dr Hafeez Rahman, intervention gynaecologist. Conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids are examples of what these menstrual conditions might involve.

Whether they are irregular, you are planning for parenthood, or you are experiencing menopause, menstrual health is an important aspect of women's health.

Contact us for the best Gynaecologist in Kottayam

If you're looking for kind, expert, and professional gynaecological care, contact Sunrise Hospital today. Our specialists are available to help you at every point of your menstrual health journey.

To schedule a consultation or find out more about our services, Call us at +91 482 2209999 or Email us at info@sunrisehospitaletpa.com

Allow us to support you to live a healthier, happier, and more confident life with care.

Your health is our mission at Sunrise Hospital.