UPDATE: New data reveals that one in three Australian women suffers from frequent migraines, highlighting an urgent need for increased investment in research and treatment. The findings, released in the 2025 national women’s health survey in August, show that women are more than twice as likely as men to be affected by this debilitating condition.
This chronic neurological disorder, described by sufferers as more than just a headache, is severely impacting the lives of millions of women across Australia. Justine Martin, a resilience coach and author, has endured hemiplegic migraines for nearly 40 years. She emphasizes the hidden nature of the pain, stating, “It’s frustrating because when you have a migraine, people can’t see what is happening in your head.”
Martin, 54, never leaves home without her pain medication or anti-nausea drugs, exemplifying the daily struggles faced by those living with migraines. The impact of migraines is profound, particularly for women in their thirties, a critical period for career and family building. Sarah White from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health stated, “The cost of days lost to pain is immense for individual women, which has broader consequences on society.”
Another sufferer, Olivia, who chose to remain anonymous, first experienced migraines at age 10, often losing her peripheral vision. Now in her 30s, she continues to deal with persistent headaches that disrupt her corporate work environment. “With frequent headaches, it’s something you always have to be prepared for with water and medication,” she said.
The economic burden of migraines is staggering, with the 2025 World Economic Forum Insights Report estimating that addressing this issue could boost the global economy by $80 billion (approximately $121 billion AUD). Officials stress that greater investment and national attention are crucial. Carl Cincinnato, spokesman for Migraine and Headache Australia, urged, “We must do better for the one in three women affected by this disorder, which can be debilitating for so many.”
This urgent call for action is not just about health; it is about improving the quality of life for countless women and mitigating a significant economic loss. As the conversation surrounding women’s health continues to evolve, the time for change is now.
Readers are encouraged to share their experiences and advocate for more research into treatments that could alleviate the struggles faced by millions. The voices of those affected are vital in pushing for necessary changes in healthcare policy and funding.
