Picture this: You’ve been doubled over with period pain for years, dismissed by doctors who chalked it up to “just bad cramps.” You’ve Googled symptoms at 2 AM, half-convinced you’re overreacting. You’ve nodded along when someone said, “It’s just part of being a woman.” Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not imagining it.
The 2024 report from Monash University has pulled back the curtain on what many of us already suspected: Australian women and girls are navigating a healthcare system that’s failing them spectacularly. The research reveals a silent epidemic of undiagnosed, under-treated, and straight-up ignored health conditions—from endometriosis taking a decade to diagnose to period pain severe enough to disrupt daily life, yet dismissed as “normal.” We’re talking about conditions affecting millions, costing the economy billions, and stealing years of quality life from people who deserve so much better.
These aren’t niche issues. Endometriosis alone affects 1 in 9 Australian women. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) impacts up to 13% of women of reproductive age. Yet the average woman waits 6.5 years for an endometriosis diagnosis, often seeing multiple doctors who trivialise her pain (Armour et al., 2020). Meanwhile, conditions like painful periods, heavy bleeding, and hormonal chaos are still shrouded in stigma—treated as taboo topics rather than the legitimate health concerns they are.
This article digs into the Monash report’s key findings, unpacks why Australia’s women are suffering in silence, and arms you with the knowledge to advocate for yourself. Because healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for those who can shout the loudest or wait the longest. At June Health, we’re over the gatekeeping, the dismissals, and the endless waitlists. Let’s talk about what’s really going on—and how we’re changing the game.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Australia’s Women’s Health Crisis by the Data
Let’s cut through the noise with cold, hard facts. The Monash University report, compiled by leading researchers in women’s health, surveyed thousands of Australian women and analyzed national health data. What they found? A systemic failure to prioritise conditions that predominantly affect women and people with uteruses. Here’s the breakdown:
Endometriosis: The Decade-Long Diagnosis Nightmare
- 1 in 9 Australian women will be diagnosed with endometriosis in their lifetime—that’s roughly 830,000 people living with this chronic condition (Armour et al., 2020).
- The average diagnostic delay? 6.5 to 7 years from symptom onset to confirmation (Armour et al., 2020). That’s nearly a decade of pain, uncertainty, and often invasive surgeries before getting answers.
- Economic burden: Endometriosis costs Australia an estimated $9.7 billion annually in healthcare expenses, productivity losses, and quality-of-life impacts (Armour et al., 2020).
- Why the delay? Lack of awareness among GPs, normalisation of “bad periods,” and the fact that definitive diagnosis requires laparoscopic surgery—a barrier many women face due to waitlists or reluctance from providers.
PCOS: The Underdiagnosed Hormonal Disruptor
- 8–13% of Australian women experience polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet up to 70% remain undiagnosed (Teede et al., 2018).
- PCOS isn’t just about irregular periods—it’s linked to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health struggles like anxiety and depression.
- The Monash report highlights a shocking gap: Many women only discover they have PCOS when seeking fertility treatment, missing years of symptom management and preventive care.
Period Pain: “Normal” Until It’s Not
- 91% of Australian women report experiencing period pain at some point, with 17–25% describing it as severe enough to interfere with work, school, or daily activities (Armour et al., 2019).
- Yet only a fraction seek medical help, often because they’ve been told it’s “just part of being a woman” or that over-the-counter painkillers should suffice.
- Severe menstrual pain is a red flag for conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, or fibroids—but without proper investigation, these go undetected.
The Mental Health Toll
- Women with chronic gynaecological conditions report significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to the general population (Facchin et al., 2015).
- The Monash research underscores a vicious cycle: Dismissal by healthcare providers exacerbates feelings of isolation and self-doubt, which in turn delays help-seeking behavior.
The bottom line? These conditions are common, costly, and chronically under-recognised. And the people suffering aren’t staying quiet anymore.
Why Are We Still Suffering in Silence? Unpacking the Barriers
So, what’s stopping Australian women from getting the care they deserve? The Monash report identifies several systemic and cultural barriers—many of which will sound depressingly familiar.
1. The Normalisation of Pain
From puberty, many of us are taught that periods are supposed to hurt. Cramps? Pop a Panadol. Bleeding through pads? Just wear a tampon and a pad. Can’t get out of bed? You’re probably being dramatic.
This cultural gaslighting means severe symptoms are dismissed as “normal,” even by healthcare professionals. The Monash researchers found that women often delay seeking help for years because they’ve internalised the belief that their pain doesn’t warrant medical attention.
The truth: Severe period pain, especially if it disrupts your life, is not normal. It’s a symptom that deserves investigation—end of story.
2. Gender Bias in Medicine
Let’s call a spade a spade: There’s a well-documented gender pain gap in healthcare. Studies show women’s pain is more likely to be dismissed, attributed to psychological causes, or undertreated compared to men’s (Samulowitz et al., 2018).
The Monash report echoes this, revealing that many women see multiple doctors before being taken seriously. Some are told to “lose weight,” “manage stress,” or “try harder” to conceive—advice that’s not only unhelpful but actively harmful when underlying conditions go undiagnosed.
3. Access Barriers: Waitlists, Costs, and Geography
Even when women do push for care, they hit roadblocks:
- Specialist waitlists can stretch 6–12 months in public systems.
- Out-of-pocket costs for private gynaecologists, scans, or surgeries are prohibitive for many.
- Regional disparities mean rural and remote women have limited access to specialists, relying on fly-in services or traveling hours for appointments.
The Monash research highlights that socioeconomically disadvantaged and regionally isolated women bear the brunt of these inequities.
4. Stigma and Silence
Despite progress, menstruation and reproductive health remain taboo in many circles. Women report feeling embarrassed to discuss symptoms at work, with partners, or even with doctors. This silence perpetuates ignorance—both personally and societally.
The report calls for destigmatisation through education, public campaigns, and normalising conversations about periods, hormones, and sexual health. (Hey, that’s literally what we’re doing here at June Health.)
5. Knowledge Gaps Among Healthcare Providers
Not all GPs receive comprehensive training in complex gynaecological conditions. The Monash team found that many women are misdiagnosed or given generic advice (e.g., “try the pill”) without deeper investigation.
What’s needed: Mandatory upskilling for GPs on conditions like endometriosis and PCOS, plus better pathways for specialist referrals.
How Invisible Conditions Affect Every Aspect of Life
The Monash report doesn’t just document symptoms—it paints a vivid picture of how undiagnosed or poorly managed conditions impact women’s lives holistically. Here’s what the research reveals:
Career and Education Disruption
- Women with endometriosis lose an average of 6.3 hours of work per week due to symptoms (Armour et al., 2020).
- Students report missing classes, dropping out of extracurriculars, or avoiding social events during their periods.
- The economic impact? Lost productivity, reduced earning potential, and career stagnation—all because symptoms aren’t taken seriously early on.
Relationships and Intimacy
- Chronic pelvic pain, painful sex (dyspareunia), and hormonal mood swings strain romantic relationships.
- Many women report feeling “broken” or “less than” when symptoms interfere with intimacy or fertility.
- The mental load of managing symptoms—tracking cycles, scheduling appointments, self-advocating—adds another layer of exhaustion.
Mental Health Crisis
- The Monash findings align with broader research: Women with chronic gynaecological conditions have 2–3 times higher rates of depression and anxiety (Facchin et al., 2015).
- Diagnostic delays, medical gaslighting, and lack of effective treatment options compound psychological distress.
- Suicidal ideation is notably higher among those with severe, unmanaged endometriosis—a statistic that should horrify and galvanise us (Facchin et al., 2015).
Fertility Fears
- Conditions like PCOS and endometriosis are leading causes of infertility, yet many women only learn this when they’re already struggling to conceive.
- The report emphasizes the need for proactive conversations about reproductive health in teens and young adults, not just when fertility becomes a goal.
The takeaway: These aren’t “just” health issues—they’re life issues. And every delayed diagnosis is a stolen opportunity for quality care.
What Needs to Change: The Monash Report
The researchers didn’t just catalogue problems—they proposed solutions. Here’s what the report advocates for (and what we’re echoing at June Health):
1. Education Starts Early
Comprehensive, stigma-free menstrual and reproductive health education in schools. Teach kids (all genders!) that periods are normal, pain isn’t, and symptoms matter.
2. GP Training Overhaul
Mandate continued education for GPs on endometriosis, PCOS, adenomyosis, and other “women’s health” conditions. Equip them with tools to identify red flags and refer promptly.
3. Accessible Diagnostics
Expand access to affordable ultrasounds, hormone testing, and specialist consultations—especially for regional and low-income women. (Spoiler: At-home testing, like June Health’s kits, is part of this solution.)
4. Public Awareness Campaigns
National campaigns to destigmatise periods, normalise symptom discussions, and empower women to self-advocate. Think: Government-backed initiatives akin to bowel cancer or mental health awareness.
5. Research Funding
Australia invests disproportionately less in women’s health research compared to conditions affecting predominantly men. The Monash team calls for increased funding to close this gap.
6. Patient-Centred Care Models
Shift from dismissive, one-size-fits-all approaches to individualised, trauma-informed care. Listen to women. Believe them. Act.
How You Can Take Charge
Feeling fired up? Channel that energy into action. Here’s how to advocate for yourself, armed with the Monash report’s insights:
Track Your Symptoms Religiously
Use a period tracker app or journal to log:
- Cycle length, flow heaviness, and pain levels (rate 1–10).
- Associated symptoms: bloating, mood changes, digestive issues, fatigue.
- Impact on daily life (e.g., “missed work,” “couldn’t exercise”).
Why it matters: Concrete data is harder for doctors to dismiss than vague descriptions. Plus, patterns emerge over time that might flag conditions like PCOS or endometriosis.
Know Your Red Flags
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter meds or interferes with daily activities.
- Heavy bleeding (soaking through a pad/tampon every 1–2 hours, passing large clots).
- Irregular cycles lasting <21 days or >35 days consistently.
- Painful sex, urination, or bowel movements around your period.
- Infertility after 12 months of trying to conceive (or 6 months if you’re over 35).
Advocate Like a Boss
If a doctor dismisses you:
- Repeat and clarify: “This pain is severe enough to stop me working. I need this investigated.”
- Request documentation: “Can you note in my file that I’ve reported these symptoms and you’re declining further testing?”
- Seek a second opinion: You’re not being difficult—you’re being thorough.
- Bring a support person: Sometimes a witness changes the dynamic.
Leverage At-Home Testing
Can’t get a GP appointment for weeks? June Health’s at-home STI and cervical screening kits put some control back in your hands. Get tested discreetly, results reviewed by specialists, and next steps sorted—all without the waitlist BS. It’s not a replacement for complex diagnostics, but it’s a start for proactive health management.
Connect with Community
Join support groups (EndoActive, PCOS Australia) to share experiences, learn from others, and find validated specialists. You’re not alone, and collective advocacy is powerful.
Key Things to Remember
- 1 in 9 Australian women has endometriosis, yet the average diagnostic delay is 6.5 years—a systemic failure, not a personal one.
- Up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed, missing critical preventive care for metabolic and mental health.
- Severe period pain is not normal. It’s a symptom that warrants investigation, full stop.
- Gender bias in medicine is real—women’s pain is routinely dismissed, requiring persistent self-advocacy.
- Access barriers like waitlists, costs, and geographic isolation disproportionately harm vulnerable women.
- Mental health impacts are profound: Chronic gynecological conditions double the risk of depression and anxiety.
- Proactive tracking, red-flag awareness, and assertive communication are your best tools for navigating the system.
- At-home testing and telehealth options like June Health’s break down some access barriers—discreet, fast, and specialist-backed.
Healthcare Is Your Right, Not a Privilege
The Monash report is a wake-up call—but it’s not news to the millions of Australian women who’ve lived this reality. You’ve endured the dismissals, the delays, the gaslighting. You’ve Googled symptoms in the dark, questioned your sanity, and pushed through pain because you had no other choice.
But here’s the thing: You deserve better. You deserve a healthcare system that listens, believes, and acts. You deserve timely diagnoses, effective treatments, and support that doesn’t require you to beg for scraps.
At June Health, we’re building that future—one at-home kit, one virtual consult, one empowered woman at a time. We can’t fix decades of systemic failure overnight, but we can make it easier for you to take charge today. No endless waitlists. No judgmental waiting rooms. Just evidence-based care on your terms, delivered with the respect you’ve always deserved.
So speak up. Track your symptoms. Demand answers. And remember: Your health isn’t a luxury. It’s a right. Let’s stop suffering in silence—together.
Sources
Armour, M., Sinclair, J., Chalmers, K. J., & Smith, C. A. (2019). Self-management strategies amongst Australian women with endometriosis: A national online survey. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-019-2431-x
Armour, M., Lawson, K., Wood, A., Smith, C. A., & Abbott, J. (2020). The cost of illness and economic burden of endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain in Australia: A national online survey. PLOS ONE, 15(10), e0239065. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0239065
Facchin, F., Barbara, G., Saita, E., Mosconi, P., Roberto, A., Fedele, L., & Vercellini, P. (2015). Impact of endometriosis on quality of life and mental health: Pelvic pain makes the difference. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 36(4), 135–141. https://doi.org/10.3109/0167482X.2015.1074173
Monash University. (2024). New report reveals the silent health issues impacting Australia’s women and girls. Monash News. https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/new-report-reveals-the-silent-health-issues-impacting-australias-women-and-girls
Samulowitz, A., Gremyr, I., Eriksson, E., & Hensing, G. (2018). “Brave Men” and “Emotional Women”: A theory-guided literature review on gender bias in health care and gendered norms towards patients with chronic pain. Pain Research and Management, 2018, 6358624. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6358624
Teede, H. J., Misso, M. L., Costello, M. F., Dokras, A., Laven, J., Moran, L., Piltonen, T., Norman, R. J., & International PCOS Network. (2018). Recommendations from the international evidence-based guideline for the assessment and management of polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertility and Sterility, 110(3), 364–379. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.05.004
