'Difficult reading': depth of women's pain laid bare

Regional and rural women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, disabled women and LGBTI communities were often travelling long distances or experiencing systemic discrimination, the report said.

There were "substantive reasons" why some women and girls found it difficult to access care and support for pain.

"A health system built around Caucasian male biology, coupled with historically low investment in women's health research, has left many without effective pain relief or treatment," it read.

"As a result, women and girls spend years searching for diagnoses and support - all while symptoms worsen and funds are drained on therapies that may or may not work."