Kate May experienced years of severe pain, fatigue, nausea and other debilitating symptoms before receiving a migraine diagnosis.
"Two years ago, I was struggling to walk," the 30-year-old told AAP.
"I was in hospital a lot, just being able to make enough money to pay bills was nearly impossible."
Ms May described her diagnosis as life-changing and now works toward doing what she loves, such as playing sport.
A survey reveals one in three Australian women live with migraine, the leading cause of disability for women aged 18-49.
The data was collected by health organisation Jean Hailes for Women's Health, in partnership with Migraine and Headache Australia.
It is the first to provide an analysis of the rate of Australian women experiencing migraines, and reveals the condition as one of the top contributors to the health gap facing women.
Migraine is a common brain condition that causes moderate to severe attacks, with symptoms including sensitivity to light, smell or noise.
Ms May was diagnosed with chronic migraine, a subtype of the condition that causes at least 15 attacks per month. Her symptoms meant she struggled to work or continue her hobbies as a keen swimmer and traveller.
But her diagnosis two years ago helped her regain control of her life.
"It's slow progress, but it's definitely a huge progress," she said. "I wouldn't be where I was today without that diagnosis and access to care."
More than half of women surveyed reported significant impacts from migraine in their work, physical health and mental health.
Jean Hailes chief executive Sarah White said women are at least twice as likely as men to experience migraine and the condition hits hardest in their thirties, right when they are building their careers, families and futures.
"The cost of days lost to pain is immense for individual women, which has broader consequences on society," she said.
Less than half of women told the survey they had a positive experience seeking a migraine diagnosis, while most received a diagnosis in less than two years. Many reported challenges once diagnosed in finding treatment that worked for them.
Migraine research, funding and support lag far behind other health conditions and more must be done for affected women, Migraine and Headache Australia chief Carl Cincinnato said.
