Australian women do not feel well. When we asked them their symptoms, here's what they said.

In 2025, Australian women are still suffering in silence.

It's a confronting reality: 82 per cent of women feel they are the only advocate for their own health and wellbeing. Even more concerning? Women are 50 per cent more likely than men to be dismissed when experiencing pain.

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We know that for many women, the journey to diagnosis is long and complicated. Because what's often dismissed as 'just period pain' or 'all in your head' can be something far more serious. While some might experience manageable discomfort, others describe their pain as "the worst imaginable" — like barbed wire running across your abdomen. A fiery hot pain that's so debilitating, it makes day-to-day life seem impossible.

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And that's only scratching the surface when it comes to the umbrella of common health conditions that are tougher to diagnose — just because you're a woman.

But your pain deserves to be heard. Your symptoms deserve to be investigated. Your experience deserves to be validated.

We recently reached out to our Mamamia community, asking women to share their experiences with chronic health symptoms. And the responses were overwhelming — not just in number, but in their raw honesty about living with an invisible illness and fighting to be heard in a medical system that often overlooks women's pain.

From endometriosis to adenomyosis, from unexplained chronic pain to dismissed symptoms, here's what Australian women told us about their health struggles — in their own words.

Erin, 39.

"I have stage 3 endometriosis and I have almost daily fatigue and pain. It took 22 years of going to doctors with symptoms to be investigated for endometriosis. Prior to my first surgery, I saw a GP who gave me a script for ibuprofen and told me 'some women just have painful periods' when I told her I was bed-bound four days a month with my period."

Tiarna, 41.

"I suffer from chronic migraines, 22 days a month. I have been to a GP, neurologist, acupuncturist, massage therapist, physiotherapist and naturopath. The traditional doctors only want to offer drugs, not discuss possible causes or combined natural therapies. I feel like both worlds of medicine are necessary. Non-traditional practitioners, of course, cost a lot, take a lot of time, and can't seem to work as well in conjunction with western medicine. It is frustrating and with so much information out there and being left alone to navigate and 'do my own research', I get lost and confused and lose hope."

"Then there's also symptoms from perimenopause. I recently went to my GP — specifically booked a long appointment — and was brushed off. She said, 'It really is so great that perimenopause is something people are more aware of, but I really don't think it is the cause of everything.' Then she said, 'This does sound hormonal. Here is a Mirena script and sedating anxiety medication that will help with sleep.' Nothing more. She cut the consultation short, barely asked any questions and wrote me off. It took six months to work up the courage to book that appointment — I even joked with a friend while waiting in the waiting room that I would 'be sent home with birth control and an anxiety med', and then I was. I am currently hunting for a new doctor but don't want to waste money on a long consult and go through the emotional disappointment and embarrassment of being brushed off again."

Ellie, 32.

"For years, I have suffered from fatigue, brain fog, slow metabolism, weight fluctuations, night sweats, heart palpitations, anxiety, hair loss, dry skin and period pain. When I first raised symptoms 10 years ago, I was told to lose weight, take the pill and work less. It was demoralising, dehumanising and I felt like it was my fault even though I was exercising in an extreme way and eating less than 800 calories a day. I've now been diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis, which is managed with daily medication. The dose needed changes frequently as stress and weight changes often impact the dose needed."

Caz, 52.

"I have lots of muscle pain and weakness all over my body. I had symptoms of a disease for over 30 years and no doctor noticed or worked out what was going on. I saw a neurologist who charged a fortune and made me feel worse than I did before I saw him. He had no bedside manner and when asked about my prognosis, he said, 'Well, you won't be in a wheelchair in 10 years.' Now I see a public neurologist and he is so much better and compassionate. I finally know what's wrong, but there is no cure and most of the education involves boys, as they make up the majority of cases. Having an invisible disease that is rare is hard."

Elizabeth, 54.

When I initially sought help for my surgical menopause, I was prescribed an antidepressant. It was so dismissive of what my symptoms were, none of which was depression. When I initially saw my doctor about my changing bowel symptoms, she immediately printed out the standard Low Fodmap information sheet and told me to follow that for a month. There would have been some significant costs involved in changing everything in my household, but that was never considered. Now I tend to pace out seeing my doctor about my health issues because I don't think she's really hearing me. I also have extra weight on, and I don't want all my symptoms bundled into the 'just lose weight' category."

Anon, 25.

"I have been to the doctors more times than I can count over the last three years. For the first two years, I cried after nearly every doctor's appointment. When asking about why I couldn't get pregnant or kept miscarrying, I was told 'you're young, it will happen'. I was also told that I couldn't be referred to a specialist as it would sort itself out. When I had gone due to my period pain, I was told I must be taking the naprogesics incorrectly and asked if I had tried Nurofen (I had already told the doctor I had been taking codeine for the pain, and it didn't even begin to scratch the sides).

"When I finally got pregnant, and it stuck, the doctors would not run additional tests (like checking progesterone levels) because, despite having recurrent losses before, as I was young 'it shouldn't be a problem'. After finding out I miscarried again at the scan, the receptionist congratulated me on my pregnancy. I then had failed treatment for my miscarriage (four rounds of failed medical management and a failed D&C). In that time, I had a doctor try to give me an ultrasound while I was wearing a nappy in the waiting room in front of other patients. I had to wait to go last on surgery day because I found out they deprioritise the surgery as 'many of them are abortions'. After all that and months of being in and out of hospital, I was discharged with no referral to a specialist again because I was told 'nothing is wrong'. I have lost absolutely all trust and faith in the medical system. Being a woman sucks."

Tanya, 45.

"I'm currently suffering from symptoms of perimenopause — hot flushes, brain fog and mood swings. I also had a repeated full hysterectomy 12 months ago due to pain from my first hysterectomy which was done postpartum 16 years ago. I'm still having issues with scarring, and it was found my ovaries were attached to my bowels and abdominal walls. I went to my GP about six months ago because I didn't feel my HRT was strong enough. The brain fog and sleep issues were affecting my life. My GP admits when he's not sure about something which is helpful, but we just decided to try and increase it and see what happens. It's hard when medical professionals just don't know the answers or don't really understand the impact that it's having on your life."

Kylie, 43.

"I was suffering from fatigue, dizziness when standing, irritable moods, I was craving salt and experiencing unintended weight loss. I was sent to a cardiologist, who asked if I was drinking enough water. After I pushed for tests, it was determined I likely have Addison's Disease. Every symptom I have had for 18 months was aligned with that diagnosis. The condition is fatal if not diagnosed and treated."

Greta, 55.

"I have chronic joint pain in my hips, shoulder and knees, as well as headaches. I've seen three different doctors — all of them have told me to lose weight and my symptoms will go away. I went on weight-loss medication and have lost 20kgs. My symptoms have reduced but not gone. My current GP is now setting up scans and tests to investigate the issues. Stop making EVERYTHING about weight. Please listen to us!"

Alicia, 36.

"I suffer from pelvic pain from endometriosis. After the pain came back within a year of having surgery to remove endometriosis, my gynaecologist at the time said I'd have to have surgery every 12 months. My fantastic GP said, 'Absolutely not, surgery is not a pain management plan'. I was referred to a new gynaecologist who listened to my health history, slid a pamphlet across the table and told me about a new medication that specifically targets endometriosis and reduces endometrial lesions. I felt both incredibly glad that there was something new I could try and also incredibly frustrated that this had never been mentioned before."

Annabelle, 27.

"I suffer from extreme abdominal pain, dysautonomia, brain fog and allergies and have been searching for answers to my symptoms for around 4.5 years. I was first diagnosed with endometriosis, and after that was told that it was all in my head and to do yoga. I ended up with four rare conditions that doctors currently refuse to treat me for."

Laura, 43.

"I suffer from high blood pressure that started with post-delivery pre-eclampsia after the birth of my second child (eight years ago). I have sought out a lot of specialists over the years to explain the issue to me and have only ever had symptoms addressed, not the cause. Specialists are not interested as I'm not overweight and don't have other health issues. I have also sought pre-emptive information about the impact of hormonal changes as I approach peri. Absolutely no understanding from specialists around intersection points with hormones. They look at me like I'm crazy."

Tori, 39.

"I have heavy menstrual bleeding and chronic pain, as well as insomnia. I've learnt I need to be very selective about the GP I see — even on an odd time I can't get my regular GP, it can be a crushing one-off experience getting the 3rd degree about things I have experienced for 20 years and being treated as a drug-seeker."

Michelle, 52.

When I first approached my GP with concerns I was in perimenopause she ordered blood tests, then told me my blood tests said I wasn't. I felt 'wrong'. Then I saw my acupuncturist a week later, and she validated that I was in perimenopause and worked with me to address the symptoms. That was a much better experience."

Shuklar, 34.

"I suffer from episodes of severe abdominal pain. The first time, I thought I had food poisoning for a few days and then woke up with such severe pain — I phoned an ambulance and my partner (who came home from work). My neighbour ended up driving me to the emergency department. The ED staff were great and took me seriously, admitted me for a scan and surgical review. The surgical RMO reviewed me without reading my notes, checking my obs or palpating my abdomen. My pain was resolved (they gave me pain relief in ED), so she discharged me. I was so frustrated. I've had episodes not as bad, on and off for six months now. We think it's gallstones (my partner and I are medical). I'll go back in if it becomes an emergency again, but otherwise I'd rather not. Too many life experiences of dismissed pain and being told I'm anxious throughout my life. It's a waste of time and demoralising."

Sherine, 32.

"I have been experiencing anxiety and depression for the past four years. Due to my anxiety, I often feel physically drained and mentally exhausted, even after resting. The constant pressure makes it harder to stay motivated and contribute in the way I'd like. My anxiety also causes me to feel uncertain about my long-term goals, heightening my sense of overwhelm. Additionally, juggling these responsibilities has led to sleep disturbances. Due to my depression, I lost an enormous amount of weight. My body functions had nearly stopped (including my period) and my parents and friends were extremely concerned. Since then, I've struggled with a distorted body image and find it difficult to accurately evaluate my body. My GP is a wonderful person. However, my advice for medical professionals in general would be to listen more empathetically and take my concerns seriously, without dismissing symptoms as 'just stress', 'it is normal' or 'part of being a woman'. My psychiatrist simply told me to 'accept that you are sick' and I immediately stopped seeing him."

Ellen, 35.

"I have epilepsy. It is largely controlled by medication, so I am extremely lucky. I have always had kind and gentle doctors — but I haven't always felt fully informed. I'm not sure why they don't explain everything. I was diagnosed at 17, so I wonder if they didn't want to overwhelm me with information when I was younger. The most significant thing was that no one told me that there is a contraindication between oestrogen and my medication — in that oestrogen increases the metabolism of my epilepsy medication, thus leaving me susceptible to seizures. I had been on the pill and this medication for four years with no issue. I went off the pill for 1.5 years but started again on my own (without consulting my doctor) assuming there wouldn't be an issue. Within two months, I had a seizure (on holiday in the USA, which resulted in a huuuge hospital bill). I felt let down that at no point in my 13 years with this disease had anyone informed me that something as simple as the pill, for a girl in her 20s, could be such a problem. I am lucky I don't have seizures frequently, but I am also very aware that I could die during any seizure. A seizure can be fatal."

Emma, 37.

"I suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic pain, mental health and PMDD. I also experience recurring UTIs, hair thinning, disordered eating and body image issues. I mostly utilise my naturopath for chronic health concerns now, as I have found she is far more holistic and helps more than typical medicine for those types of issues. I'd encourage medical professionals to look at things more holistically — symptoms that may seem fairly insignificant to GPs as they don't present immediate threat (like hair thinning, bladder pain or mood changes) can be debilitating for the woman experiencing them and impact her children, employment and everyone in her orbit."

Angela, 34.

"I have Type 2 Narcolepsy, which means sleep isn't refreshing for me, so I'm constantly tired and craving sleep. I also have anxiety and depression, which are often present in people with narcolepsy. I'm a primary school teacher, which is helpful in that I'm able to be active all day but also mentally exhausting. I spent a few years trying different medications, but none had a positive effect on me and many of them had really severe side effects. I'm now managing my narcolepsy through my lifestyle — not stopping to rest! I go to the gym each day after work, walk each morning before work and keep active whilst at home while listening to podcasts and audiobooks. When I do go to sleep, I usually fall asleep immediately, but it's not restful — I have vivid bad dreams, talk and move a lot. I also have sleep apnoea, so I stop breathing on average every 11 minutes.

"It took me over 10 years to get a diagnosis of narcolepsy. Numerous doctor visits from age 15 complaining of exhaustion. I was treated for low vitamin deficiencies, depression and sleep speaking before finally getting my narcolepsy diagnosis. I felt like doctors and family and friends didn't get the degree of my struggle and how greatly my life was being impacted."

Meg, 60.

"I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2020. After two years of recurrences while undergoing BCG immunotherapy, I underwent a radical cystectomy in December 2022. Since then, I have experienced a significant pelvic organ prolapse, which was repaired in April 2023. However, the prolapse has recurred, and my medical team are not keen to intervene again due to the amount of abdominal surgery I have had. Living with a vaginal prolapse impacts on my daily life as it adds to the restrictions I already have around physical activity associated with having an urostomy (stoma/bag). This includes no longer being able to have sexual intercourse.

"My female GP and the entire medical practice I have been with for over 30 years have been amazing through this whole experience. My male urologist has a manner that I have always found to be dismissive. He speaks at a million miles an hour, clearly does not read my notes prior to consultations and expects me to fill him in on where things are at. I always feel rushed when consulting with him. He is undoubtedly an expert in his field, but his 'bedside manner' is wanting. I sometimes feel like saying, 'Can you remember that I am experiencing one of the most traumatic periods of my life? Please treat me as you'd like your mother to be treated.'"

Francesca, 48.

"For a while, it felt like I was going mad with my gut issues — it turns out I have Crohn's disease. I have changed specialists three times to help me find someone that will support my journey and feel comfortable with. It shouldn't be this hard."

*Note: Some responses have been edited for length and clarity. Some names have been changed to protect privacy.

What's your real, unfiltered health experience? We want to hear about it. Whether you're dealing with ongoing issues, unexplained symptoms, or have a story about trying to get help – share with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Getty.

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