Australian women face a significant health challenge, with research indicating they are twice as likely as men to suffer from migraines. The findings, highlighted in the 2025 national women’s health survey, revealed that one in three women in Australia lives with frequent migraines, prompting calls for increased investment in research and treatment options.
The survey, published in August 2023, emphasizes that migraines are more than simple headaches; they represent complex neurological events that can severely impact daily life. Justine Martin, a resilience coach and author, has battled hemiplegic migraines for most of her life. At 54 years old, she carries pain medication and anti-nausea drugs wherever she goes. “I’ve been suffering from migraines since I was 15, and it’s not gotten any easier after 40 years,” she stated. “It’s frustrating because when you have a migraine, people can’t see what is happening in your head.”
Personal accounts highlight the unpredictability of migraines. Martin feels as though she is often “playing a game of roulette,” never knowing when a migraine will strike. As she has aged, she has worked to identify triggers through trial and error, noting that certain foods and lifestyle choices can provoke episodes.
The research conducted by Jean Hailes for Women’s Health underscores the broader impact of migraines on women’s lives. According to Sarah White, a representative from the organization, “It hits hardest in their thirties, right when women are building careers, families, and their futures.” The consequences of days lost to debilitating pain extend beyond individuals, affecting productivity and the economy.
Another woman, who wished to remain anonymous, shared her experience with migraines beginning at the age of ten. “It was very disruptive in high school, and I had to have my parents pick me up early many times,” she recounted. Although she has not experienced a severe migraine in years, persistent headaches still disrupt her daily life. “With frequent headaches, it’s something you always have to be prepared for with water and medication,” she explained. “Working in a corporate setting, it can be pretty disruptive, and I try to push through a lot of the time.”
The economic implications of addressing migraines are substantial. A report from the World Economic Forum suggests that alleviating this condition could enhance the global economy by $80 billion USD (approximately $121 billion AUD). This statistic reinforces the need for greater investment and attention towards migraine research and treatment options.
Carl Cincinnato, a spokesperson for Migraine and Headache Australia, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “We must do better for the one in three women affected by this disorder, which can be debilitating for so many,” he said. The call for action is clear: addressing migraines not only promises to improve the quality of life for millions of women but also offers significant economic benefits.
As the prevalence of migraines continues to rise, the call for increased funding and research into effective treatments becomes more pressing. The health and economic ramifications underscore the necessity of prioritizing this condition in public health discussions and funding allocations.
