When people think about women’s health, pregnancy often takes centre stage. But for most women, pregnancy is only one chapter in a much bigger health story.
Dr Myriam Girgis is a specialist gynaecologist and advanced laparoscopic surgeon who cares for women through many stages of life, from adolescence and fertility concerns to pelvic health, surgery, menopause and beyond.
For local women and families, Dr Girgis offers calm, thoughtful and evidence-based care, with a focus on listening properly, explaining options clearly and helping women make informed decisions about their health.
The women’s health symptoms worth speaking up about
Many women become very good at pushing through discomfort, especially when there are children, work, family and everyday life to manage. Painful periods, heavy bleeding, bladder leakage, painful sex, fatigue, pelvic pain and hormonal changes can slowly become part of the background.
But common does not always mean normal.
As a gynaecologist, Dr Girgis sees many women who have lived with symptoms for years before seeking help. Her message is that women do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before asking questions or getting assessed.
‘My periods are bad… but how bad is too bad?’
When period pain deserves a closer look
Many women are told painful periods are simply part of being a woman. While some discomfort can be normal, pain that interferes with work, exercise, social plans, relationships or everyday life deserves attention.
Endometriosis affects approximately one in seven Australian women and can present in different ways. Symptoms may include painful periods, pain during or after sex, pelvic pain outside of periods, painful bowel motions, bloating, fatigue and difficulty falling pregnant.
One of the biggest misconceptions about endometriosis is that symptoms always match the severity of the disease. Some women with extensive endometriosis have very few symptoms, while others with debilitating pain may have less visible disease.
Importantly, endometriosis is not only a pelvic condition. It is increasingly recognised as part of a broader chronic pain spectrum and may be associated with other conditions such as migraines, nausea, irritable bowel-type symptoms, bladder pain syndromes, and fibromyalgia. Many women also report a heightened sensitivity to pain and persistent fatigue that extends beyond the menstrual cycle itself.
If period pain is affecting quality of life, it is worth seeking assessment. Early support can make a meaningful difference to symptom control, quality of life and long-term health outcomes.
‘I’ve always had heavy periods. Isn’t that normal?’
Heavy periods, what’s common and what’s worth checking
Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of the most common reasons women seek gynaecological care, but many women put up with symptoms for years before asking for help.
If you are changing protection very frequently, passing large clots, becoming iron deficient, feeling exhausted or planning life around your menstrual cycle, it may be time for further assessment.
Heavy periods are common, but they are not always something women should simply accept. There are effective treatment options available, and the right pathway depends on the individual woman, her symptoms, her health and her goals.
‘PCOS has a new name. Here’s why it matters.’
Understanding PCOS and PMOS
Many women have heard of PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, but fewer know that experts have proposed a new name, PMOS, which stands for polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome.
The proposed name better reflects the fact that the condition involves much more than the ovaries alone. Women may experience irregular periods, difficulty conceiving, acne, excess hair growth, insulin resistance, weight challenges and increased long-term metabolic health risks.
Another important point is that women with the condition do not actually have ovarian cysts, and the older name can sometimes create unnecessary worry.
Whatever name is used, early diagnosis and personalised management can have a significant impact on both reproductive and long-term health.
‘I’m constantly tired… but my blood tests are normal. Could hormones or heavy periods be the reason?’
When tiredness might be more than everyday exhaustion
Fatigue is one of the most common concerns among women, yet it is often put down to stress, family life or being busy.
While iron deficiency is a frequent cause, particularly in women with heavy periods, normal basic blood tests do not always explain ongoing symptoms.
Hormonal fluctuations, sleep disruption, chronic pelvic pain conditions and perimenopause can all contribute to persistent fatigue. When symptoms continue despite “normal results”, a broader assessment may be helpful.
‘When should I seek help with fertility?’
Many women are unsure how long they should try to conceive before seeking advice.
In general, women under 35 may consider assessment after 12 months of trying, while women over 35 should seek advice after six months.
Seeking advice does not automatically mean fertility treatment will be needed. It can simply provide reassurance, identify possible issues and help women and couples better understand their options.
Cervical screening has changed
Pap smears have been replaced by the cervical screening test, which detects HPV, the human papillomavirus that can lead to cervical cell changes over time.
In Australia, cervical screening is recommended from age 25 to 74, and if results are normal, it is usually required every five years.
If an abnormal result is found, it does not mean cancer is present. In most cases, it reflects a transient HPV infection or early changes that can be monitored or treated before becoming serious.
For women who find internal examinations uncomfortable or have delayed screening, self-collection is now an option in many settings when appropriate. This has helped more women access screening in a way that feels more manageable.
‘I’ve had children and now I leak urine when I exercise. Is that just part of motherhood?’
Pelvic floor symptoms after birth
Bladder leakage, pelvic heaviness and prolapse symptoms affect many women after childbirth.
Although these issues are common, they should not simply be accepted as an inevitable part of motherhood.
Depending on the symptoms and individual situation, treatment may include pelvic floor physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, non-surgical management and, in some cases, surgery.
Painful sex, why it should not be brushed off
Pain during sex is common, but it is not something women should have to accept.
Causes may include endometriosis, pelvic floor muscle dysfunction, hormonal changes, vulval skin conditions or scarring following childbirth or surgery.
Because many women feel uncomfortable raising this concern, it can be underdiagnosed. Once the underlying cause is identified, effective treatments are often available and improvement is very possible.
Perimenopause and menopause support
Approaching 40 or 50 and not feeling like yourself can be unsettling, especially when symptoms are brushed off as stress or ageing.
Perimenopause and menopause can bring significant physical and emotional changes, including irregular periods, hot flushes, sleep disturbance, mood changes, brain fog and reduced energy.
Understanding what is happening hormonally can help women access the right support, lifestyle strategies and treatment options to improve quality of life and overall wellbeing.
Understanding your options before surgery
One of the common concerns Dr Girgis hears is that women have been told elsewhere that surgery is their only option.
In many situations, surgery is one of several possible pathways rather than the only option. Depending on the condition, options may also include medication, hormonal therapies, pelvic floor physiotherapy, lifestyle strategies or watchful waiting.
An informed decision is one where women clearly understand all available pathways, including the benefits, limitations and alternatives.
Surgery may be recommended when it is the most effective option for symptom relief or long-term outcomes, or when other treatments have not been successful.
Not all gynaecological surgeons are the same. Why the right surgical experience matters
If surgery does become necessary, it is reasonable to ask about a surgeon’s training, experience and expertise.
For complex conditions such as endometriosis, pelvic floor disorders and advanced laparoscopic surgery, specialist experience matters. Surgical expertise can influence preoperative planning, investigations, decision-making during surgery, recovery, complication rates and long-term outcomes.
Dr Girgis is an AGES-accredited advanced laparoscopic surgeon with extensive training and experience in minimally invasive gynaecological surgery. Her practice includes management of a range of gynaecological conditions using medical and surgical pathways, including laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery.
Dr Girgis’ approach to gynaecology and surgery
Dr Girgis is described as calm, patient, compassionate and culturally sensitive. Her approach is centred on listening, clear communication and tailoring care to each woman’s individual needs.
She provides gynaecological care and minimally invasive surgery, with experience in advanced laparoscopy and women’s health across many life stages.
Her work includes care for women with endometriosis, heavy menstrual bleeding, PCOS or PMOS, pelvic pain, fertility concerns, cervical screening needs, prolapse symptoms, painful sex, perimenopause and menopause symptoms, and questions around surgery.
For women looking for a gynaecologist in the Sutherland Shire, Dr Girgis offers thoughtful, evidence-based care with a strong focus on helping women feel heard, informed and supported.
When to seek support for women’s health concerns
One of the most important things Dr Girgis wants women to know is that they do not need to wait until symptoms become severe before seeking help.
Whether it is painful periods, heavy bleeding, fertility concerns, pelvic floor symptoms, menopause-related changes, questions about surgery or anything else, there are often more options available than women realise.
Looking after your own health should not come after everyone else’s. It matters too.
How to get in touch with Dr Myriam Girgis
Dr Myriam Girgis consults from MG Women’s Health, with rooms in Hurstville and Campsie. She provides specialist gynaecological care, including preconception planning, endometriosis management, pelvic pain support, minimally invasive gynaecological surgery and broader women’s health care.
To book an appointment or learn more about her services, visit her website or contact her rooms directly.
Website: https://www.mgwomenshealth.com.au/
Phone: 1300 718 861
