5 Essential Foods for Women with Endometriosis

white button mushrooms for endometriosis aromatase inhibition

If you have been diagnosed with endometriosis, you have probably heard that it is an "oestrogen-driven" condition. But what does that actually mean, and what can you do about it through food? What makes endometriosis particularly complex is that the tissue does not just respond to oestrogen from your ovaries. It also produces its own […]

High‑Performance Mindset

Image of a woman crossing the line in a running race finishing first.

High Performance Isn’t an Accident - it’s a Practice High performance in sport, health, and life isn’t luck. It’s not personality, talent, genetics or perfect timing. It’s a collection of habits, standards, and beliefs applied consistently, especially on the days when motivation is low and life feels full. At the Athlete Sanctuary, we see this […]

PFAS Health Risks: Symptoms to look for

Cookwear containing PFAS cooking four eggs with tomatos

PFAS exposure in Australia poses serious health risks including immune disruption, hormonal imbalance, and increased cancer risk. Athletes and health-conscious consumers can reduce exposure by switching to PFAS-free cookware, clothing, and cosmetics. Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used to make products resistant to water, oil, and heat. Known as “forever chemicals” due […]

Protein Pacing for Energy, Muscle, Metabolism, and Weight Loss

Mature woman in a yellow top holding two cooked eggs in her hand over her eyes standing in her white kitchen.

Do quick fixes and restrictive diets really facilitate weight loss? Yes and no. In the short term, yes….you will likely lose weight, on the scales but most people regain any weight lost as soon as restriction ceases. Most crash diets restrict food volume and all nutrients and leave you deprived of energy, muscle, brain function, […]

Why Poor Sleep Can Lead to Lighter or Delayed Periods

Women checking her period report card

The menstrual cycle acts as a monthly report card on how well the body is balancing energy, demands, and recovery.  Alarmingly, 37% of female athletes have menstrual irregularities, with many unaware of the long-term health implications. Sleep plays an important role not only in recovery, but also in regulating the menstrual cycle. If we rule […]

Navigating PCOS

Woman with PCOS

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is far more than just a reproductive issue; it's an intricate hormonal dance that can profoundly impact a woman. It affects approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, yet it often goes undiagnosed or misunderstood, leaving many feeling isolated and frustrated. PCOS is Not One-Size-Fits-All The common misconception is that […]

Myths of menopause – let's unpack the truths

Middle aged woman cycling on her bike in nature.

All women experience menopause differently. Symptoms, severity, and duration can differ based on genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Before we explore the myths of menopause, our clinical experience suggests two common truths exist for women going through this transition. Genetics Mothers and daughters may experience a similar menopause transition. While this may be true, it’s […]

Long-term Benefits of Cold Water Therapy

Cold water therapy

Cold water therapy is increasingly popular in Australia, particularly among athletes and wellness enthusiasts. A survey indicates that many Australians are adopting cold water immersion practices, with many using it for muscle recovery, mental health benefits, and overall well-being. According to Pursue Performance, approximately 82.6% of users engage in cold plunges 5-7 times per week, […]

Training Fasted

Photo of a female athlete kneeling down on the ground as she is exhausted.

Training fasted involves exercising without food and/or energy drinks for a period of time. The most common fast lasts for 8/12 hours or extended to 16 hours as an overnight fast. During this period, we tap into fat stores in the form of ketone bodies and stored glycogen. Runners often train fasted unconsciously as a […]

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and athletes

Photo of a female athlete wearing a hoody on a dark gloomy day

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression or seasonal mood disorder, can have many impacts to your way of life, including your athletic performance. While SAD’s prevalence in Australia may differ from other regions, it is still important to explore the experiences of female athletes living with SAD. In this blog post, we […]