News

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GPs called on to enhance support to women with migraines

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Migraines affect one in three Australian women, but when seeking a diagnosis many feel their GP ‘lacked awareness and understanding of the condition’, research reveals.
 
The Migraine in Australian Women report, a joint project between Jean Hailes for Women’s Health and Migraine and Headache Australia, is part of the 2025 National Women’s Health Survey.
 
It included a sample of 3629 women aged 18 and over and is believed to be the first population-based survey to provide national estimates of migraine prevalence in Australian women.
 
Results show 30% of women surveyed had been diagnosed with migraine in their lifetime, and around one in three had likely experienced migraine in the previous three months.
 
A further 13% were likely to have recently experienced an undiagnosed migraine.
 
The impact of migraines on women was shown to be wide-reaching, effecting:
 

• work (reported by 80% of women)
• physical health (reported by 80% of women)
• mental health (a concern for 70% of women)
• relationships with family and friends (impacting 60% of women)
• confidence and self-esteem (an issue for 50% of women).

 
Women aged 25–44 were more likely than those in other age groups to have sought help, with experts pointing to the role of hormonal change being a major trigger.
 
Dr Sarah White, CEO of Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, described the data as a wake-up call.
 
‘Women are at least twice as likely as men to experience migraine. It hits hardest in their thirties, right when women are building careers, families and their futures,’ she said.
 
While GPs are often the first point of contact for women seeking help for their migraines, it was revealed during focus groups that ‘many women felt that GPs lacked awareness and understanding of the condition’.
 
Some women reported delays getting a diagnosis, which led to delays in receiving appropriate treatment.
 
Just four in 10 women rated their experience seeking a diagnosis for migraine as ‘positive’, while three in 10 described it as ‘negative’, and a further three in 10 reported it as being ‘neutral’.   
 
There were also challenges for women in finding treatment that works, even after they had received a migraine diagnosis.
 
Greater awareness of migraine and its impacts among health professionals could help to ensure women receive timely diagnosis and appropriate management and support for the condition, the report concluded.
 
Dr White said these findings offer an opportunity to shift the experience for women.
 
‘GPs are absolutely critical when it comes to recognising and supporting women with migraine, as they’re often the first point of call and can shape the entire patient journey,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘Many of the more than 1200 women surveyed felt dismissed or misunderstood when they sought help.
 
‘GPs have a real opportunity to change that experience simply by listening and validating their symptoms and pain before offering evidence-based management.’
 
Dr Adele Stewart, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Pain Management said the research reinforces what many GPs already see in daily practice: ‘that migraines are not just “bad headaches” but deeply disruptive neurological events that can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, productivity, relationships, and mental health’.
 
‘The key message for GPs from this data is the need for greater awareness and proactive inquiry, particularly during hormonal life stages like perimenopause and menopause where migraines often intensify but may go unrecognised or under-treated,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘Many women suffer in silence, assuming migraines are something they simply have to endure.
 
‘GPs can play a key role in challenging the belief that women simply have to ‘put up with’ severe migraine symptoms – these can and should be treated.’
 
Dr Stewart added that GPs can raise the issue in relevant consultations by simply asking patients, ‘do you get headaches or migraines?’.
 
‘If the answer is yes, some quick questions and making a separate consultation to discuss will often be appropriate,’ she said. 
 
‘GPs can make a real difference by identifying migraine patterns, validating the experience and offering management options beyond over-the-counter pain relief.
 
‘Management requires a biopsychosocial approach – studies highlight the importance of tracking migraine triggers and implementing lifestyle interventions including diet, movement and exercise, hydration, and sleep.
 
‘Stress reduction strategies, including mindfulness and relaxation techniques, are also key components. Reviewing contraception or HRT options where relevant, and choosing safe, effective medications can further help reduce intensity, frequency, and disability, while supporting self-efficacy in chronic migraine.’
 
Also emerging from the report was a gap between help-seeking and receiving a diagnosis for some women. For example, while 34% of women aged 18–24 report seeking help for headaches, only 18% had been diagnosed with migraine.
 
Dr White reminded GPs of three simple screening questions that can be used to diagnose migraine – in the past three months, have your headaches left you feeling nauseated, bothered by light, or
limited your ability to work, study, or do what you need to do for at least one day?
 
‘Given the high prevalence of migraine in Australian women, I’d encourage all GPs to familiarise themselves with the ID migraine questionnaire,’ she added.
 
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headache menopause migraine perimenopause women’s health

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