Dr. Pankaj Singhal, MD, MS, MHCM, FACOG, of New York Gynecology Surgery & Endometriosis (NYGSE), recently served as a medical reviewer for a Woman’s World article examining Dolly Parton’s experience with endometriosis and infertility.
Why Endometriosis Can Be Difficult to Recognize
In the article, Dr. Singhal explains that endometriosis can occur on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, pelvic lining, bowel, bladder and, in some cases, the diaphragm.
He also highlights one of the challenges patients may encounter when seeking a diagnosis:
“Endometriosis often produces a completely normal examination.”
Dr. Singhal explains that unless a medical visit specifically addresses pelvic pain and related symptoms, endometriosis can remain unrecognized despite years of routine gynecologic examinations.
Speaking Up About Endometriosis Symptoms
The Woman’s World article also shares several practical recommendations from Dr. Singhal. He encourages patients to track symptoms across multiple menstrual cycles, directly ask their healthcare provider whether endometriosis could explain their symptoms, and seek another opinion when necessary.
One of his most important messages to patients is that severe menstrual pain should not simply be dismissed as normal. He also cautions that normal imaging does not necessarily mean that nothing is wrong.
At NYGSE, Dr. Singhal specializes in the evaluation and surgical treatment of endometriosis, including complex cases involving multiple pelvic organs.
Woman’s World also maintains a dedicated expert profile for Dr. Singhal, outlining his medical background and areas of expertise.
Read the full Woman’s World article: What Dolly Parton, 80, Said About Her Health, Endometriosis and Why She Couldn’t Have Children.
If Your Symptoms Are Being Overlooked
As Dr. Singhal emphasizes in the Woman’s World article, endometriosis can be difficult to recognize, and a normal examination or imaging result does not always explain persistent symptoms.
If you continue to experience severe period pain, chronic pelvic pain, or other symptoms that interfere with daily life, a more focused evaluation may be appropriate.
At New York Gynecology Surgery & Endometriosis (NYGSE), Dr. Singhal and our team evaluate patients with suspected and confirmed endometriosis, including those who have struggled to find answers for persistent symptoms.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (n.d.). Endometriosis. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/endometriosis
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. (n.d.). About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. https://imaginationlibrary.com/about-us/
Griffin, C. (2026, September 1). What Dolly Parton, 80, said about her health, endometriosis and why she couldn’t have children. Woman’s World. https://www.womansworld.com/wellness/what-dolly-parton-said-about-her-health-and-endometriosis
Woman’s World. (n.d.). Pankaj Singhal, MD, MS, MHCM, FACOG. https://www.womansworld.com/author/pankaj-singhal-md-ms-mhcm-facog
