Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show

Women in Media Network
Women in Media Network
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Alternative Health
  • Biweekly

Phase to Phase is a podcast hosted by naturopathic doctor Anne Hussain. She's on a mission to empower and educate women to better understand their menstrual cycles and hormonal health.  Anne’s passion for menstrual advocacy and body literacy began in Pakistan where she received no education about periods or reproductive health growing up. Navigating her own polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also inspired her to become an ND and write The Period Literacy Handbook.  Anne hopes to guide women through all phases of their hormonal health with this podcast, from their very first period to beyond perimenopause. Drawing on her training as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Anne will support listeners through symptoms ranging from mood, sleep and flow changes, to the impacts of hormone change on your skin, metabolism and bones. Anne reminds us that your health journey is unique and may be different from your mother, your neighbour, or your best friend. At the heart of it all, she believes that learning about your body and having agency over your health is not only an act of care for yourself, but also for each other and the world we share.  Listen for new episodes every other Thursday starting in September 2025. Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health.

  1. 15h ago

    Vaginal Dryness, Recurrent UTIs, and Urinary Urgency: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM)

    Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM) doesn’t only happen after menopause. In this episode of Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show, Naturopathic Doctor Anne Hussain tackles this common yet under-discussed condition. Vaginal dryness, vulvovaginal irritation, painful intimacy, recurrent UTIs, and running to the washroom because you can’t hold your pee can all be part of GSM. They can begin during perimenopause due to fluctuating and declining estrogen levels. She breaks down the physiological connection between the vulvovaginal tract, pelvic floor, and urinary system, clarifies the difference between daily non-hormonal vulvovaginal moisturizers and lubricants, outlines why low-dose local vaginal estrogen is considered the gold-standard prescription treatment, and highlights the essential role of pelvic health physiotherapy. Let’s stop normalizing pain and leakage to explore evidence-based treatment options that you can bring up with your medical team.  Key Takeaways GSM starts in perimenopause, not just after menopause. It's driven by declining estrogen receptors across the vulva, vagina, pelvic floor, and urinary tract. As estrogen declines, the tissue can become tighter, drier, and more fragile. Irritation, pain, dryness, and recurrent UTIs can all be part of GSM. Recurrent UTIs and urgency can happen with GSM as estrogen decline. The vaginal tract and urinary system share the same environment, and falling estrogen alters the local microbiome and thins urethral tissue. This shift leaves you more vulnerable to UTIs, burning, frequency, and incontinence (leakage). Instead of countless rounds of antibiotics, treatment for GSM can be helpful. Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants serve different purposes. Lube is used as needed to reduce friction. Non-hormonal vaginal moisturizers often contain hyaluronic acid and are used regularly to increase moisture and soothe daily irritation. Low-dose vaginal estrogen is the gold standard treatment. Prescription low-dose local vaginal estrogen (creams, inserts, or rings) acts directly on the target tissues with minimal systemic absorption. It rebuilds tissue strength, eliminates micro-tears, and reduces recurrent UTIs. Vaginal DHEA is also an option for this purpose. GSM tends to worsen over time without treatment. Unlike hot flashes, which may eventually subside, GSM often progresses if left untreated. Early intervention improves your symptoms and life. Pelvic health physiotherapy is also important for GSM. Pelvic health physios provide gentle internal evaluations to assess muscle tone, strength, and tension. They can really help with painful sex, urinary urgency, and incontinence by correcting habits like "peeing just in case" or chronic abdominal bracing. Chapters 00:00 Impacts of GSM 2:38 GSM symptoms and relationship with estrogen 5:58 GSM in perimenopause 7:44 Vaginal moisturizer and lubricant 9:30 Vaginal estrogen and DHEA 13:16 Non-hormonal GSM options Resources and References The Menopause Society. MenoNote: Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause, 2025.  Canadian Menopause Society. Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) Products in Canada, 2025.  Zuo et al. 2026. PMID: 42492951  Blog post: Vaginal Dryness, Vulvovaginal Health, GSM, and Recurrent UTIs Blog post: Where Did My Libido Go? Vaginal Dryness, Desire, and Intimacy phasetophase.ca Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Oct 22

    The Hormonal IUD in Perimenopause for Heavy Bleeding and Hormone Therapy

    Teeing off Season 2 of Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show, Naturopathic Doctor & Menopause Society Certified Practitioner Anne Hussain dives deep into a tiny T-shaped tool for perimenopause: the hormonal IUD (or IUS). Perimenopause lasts for 4 to 8 years on average and can bring unpredictable, heavy, or prolonged bleeding, flooding–changes that can leave many women and menstruators exhausted, iron-deficient, and missing out on life.  In this solo episode, Dr. Anne breaks down the physiological changes driving these changes in flow (including changing adenomyosis and fibroids) and takes you through the hormonal IUD beyond its role as a high-efficacy contraceptive . She compares the copper IUD with levonorgestrel-releasing devices (like Mirena, Kyleena, and Skyla), laying out the benefits and risks. She highlights how the 52 mg Mirena IUD acts as a dual-purpose solution during perimenopause: providing targeted relief for heavy bleeding and serving as the endometrial protection component when paired with transdermal estrogen in Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT). Key Takeaways Heavy bleeding in perimenopause is common but not something you need to “muscle through”. Erratic ovulation and changing estrogen levels in early perimenopause can trigger heavy periods, prolonged spotting, and flooding. These symptoms are expensive, disruptive, and frequently lead to iron deficiency. The hormonal IUD is not the same as the copper IUD. While a copper IUD creates a localized inflammatory response for contraception and can worsen heavy bleeding and cramping, the hormonal IUD releases levonorgestrel (a compound like progesterone) locally to thin the uterine lining and significantly reduce heavy flows and period pain. How does the hormonal IUD work? The hormonal IUD functions primarily through three mechanisms: thinning the endometrial lining, thickening cervical mucus to block sperm, and interfering with fertilization. In some cases, it can also suppress ovulation or eliminate bleeding altogether. What are the benefits of the hormonal IUD in perimenopause? In perimenopause, the Mirena IUD can help decrease heavy (and irregular) bleeding like in adenomyosis and fibroids, improve period pain and cramping, offer contraception (because you can still get pregnant in perimenopause!), and be part of MHT.  Can the IUD be used as part of menopausal hormone therapy? When using systemic estrogen for perimenopause symptoms or bone health, a progestin/progesterone is required to protect the uterine lining against abnormal cell growth. In Canada, the 52 mg Mirena IUD is approved as the endometrial protection component of MHT for up to 5 years. Does IUD insertion cause pain? What to do for IUD insertion pain? While serious IUD risks (like expulsion or perforation) are under 1%, insertion pain is a real concern. Patients are encouraged to advocate for pain management options (such as local anesthetics because painkillers often do not help) with their healthcare team prior to the procedure. Chapters 00:00 Perimenopause period changes 3:36 Hormonal IUDs: Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla 4:45 Copper IUD vs. Hormonal IUD 5:52 Pros & Cons of Hormonal IUD 9:13 Hormonal IUD and estrogen in menopausal hormone therapy 11:48 Progesterone and Hormonal IUD References & Resources Blog post on the IUD in Perimenopause Voedisch, A. J. (2025). Menopause, 33(1), PMID: 40957020  Government of Canada: Medical Management of Menopause Symptoms.  British Menopause Society (2026). Progestogens and endometrial protection.  Lanzola EL et al (2025). Intrauterine Device Placement and Removal. PMID: 32491335.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Jun 11

    12 Hormone Truths You Need in Your 30s, 40s, and 50s

    Navigating your symptoms across your 30s, 40s, and 50s can leave you feeling dismissed, confused, and disconnected from your own body. In this Season 1 Finale of Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show, Naturopathic Doctor Anne Hussain leaves you with the ultimate hormone health real talk so that you can find some solid footing as you wade through well-crafted marketing, internet grifting, and the general fear-mongering out there.  She takes the most important lessons from the entire season (from the hair on your head to the muscles in your pelvic floor!) so that you get the care you need and deserve. She helps you differentiate evidence-based medicine from expensive, predatory snake oil, breaking down exactly why your lived experience is far better than a (fancy) hormone test and the kind of nutrition that makes a dent in your health goals. More importantly, she dives deep into the political reality of wellness, mapping out why individual biohacking can never cure a broken, underfunded system. This episode is deeply validating and full of actionable tips (no medical advice, of course!) designed to help you advocate for your health to build health. Make sure to share it with your family and friends so that we can have the energy and agency to make this world a better place. Key Takeaways Do I need my hormones tested and are expensive hormone lab tests worth the money? Your lived experience, aka your tracked signs and symptoms, tell us the most important data points. Your hormones fluctuate throughout your cycle and lifespan. What’s usually happening in perimenopause, PMS, and PMDD is that your body is responding to the very natural fluctuations in hormone levels. Not only that, we often cannot draw a straight line from a hormone level to a particular symptom, which means that testing doesn’t help us understand what’s going on, guide treatment, or monitor progress. There’s a time and place for testing, but it’s not *always* relevant. Is "cortisol face" real, and should I quit intense workouts for my adrenal glands and adrenal fatigue? "Cortisol face" is an internet wellness buzzword. Cortisol is a vital hormone required to keep you alive, not a villain; it goes up and down naturally as you go through life. It’s not the cause of your stress, it’s around when you are stressed (there’s a difference!). There are very real autoimmune cortisol disorders someone can have, but social media trends urging women to shrink their lives and abandon high-intensity exercise to "protect their hormones" are misleading. Your fatigue and nervous system dysregulation isn't caused by a failure of your adrenal glands, but by being under-resourced in a stressful world (some of which is beyond our control, like geopolitics). The goal is not to avoid cortisol ups and downs or to avoid stress entirely. The goal is to increase your resilience and capacity and broaden your boundaries through adequate fuelling and balanced nutrition, physical activity, rest, sleep, fun, social connection, and any individualized support you need. Why am I struggling to lose weight despite dieting and exercising? Weight is a complex interplay of biology, genetics, and environment (think: upbringing, mental health, access to resources, education, nutrition, etc.), meaning your willpower is not to blame (despite what the rest of the internet says!). People come in all shapes and sizes, and what they look like does not often tell you about their actual health status. With the rise of meds like semaglutide and tirzepatide, there’s a lot of body-shaming on the internet, which is sad because this is the most we’ve known about obesity medicine and just how complex it is. Yes, there is benefit to weight loss, particularly decreasing waist circumference, since visceral fat around the organs increases the risk of high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor pregnancy outcomes, cancer, heart disease, etc. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here, and these risks can be improved upon with a small amount of weight/waist size decrease, like 5-10%.  Which is more important for longevity and hormones: fibre or protein? How much fibre and protein do I need? Fibre is what matters far more for your hormone and heart health than protein. They’re both important, but high fibre diets are consistently associated with lower risk of heart disease, certain cancers, cognitive decline, and hormonal symptoms in PMS/PMOS/perimenopause/endometriosis. While wellness media remains hyper-fixated on protein consumption, most people hit the minimum 0.8g per kg of body weight per day target of protein. Most North Americans (yup, women included) consume less than half of the recommended 25 to 30 grams of daily fibre.  Is leaking urine normal after having children or as we age? Leaking urine when you sneeze, cough, or jump is incredibly common, but it is not normal. Society routinely normalizes pelvic floor dysfunction, chronic bladder leaks, severe period pain, and painful sex as "just part of being a woman," but these are treatable medical concerns. Kegels are not a universal fix-all because pelvic floor muscles can be tight, loose, and/or uncoordinated. A pelvic physiotherapist can be an important medical team member.  Does the birth control pill cause long-term infertility? Does it ruin my hormones? The birth control pill does not cause infertility, but it frequently masks (and treats) underlying hormonal conditions for years. The pill remains an invaluable, life-changing tool for family planning and reproductive autonomy (and many symptoms). However, it’s often prescribed without a full assessment so if you have something brewing under the surface (think endometriosis, adenomyosis, PCOS (now PMOS)), it can be a rude awakening when you come off the pill, especially if pregnancy is now the goal. If you’re prescribed the pill to "fix" adult acne, severe period pain, or irregular cycles, it is helping to treat and manage those symptoms but not the metabolic or structural issue underneath.  Are ultra-processed foods and seed oils toxic to my hormones? Rampant online fear-mongering regarding seed oils and trace food additives creates unnecessary orthorexia and food anxiety. Craving convenience foods or a cookie is a normal response to corporate food engineering, not a personal moral failure; focus on adding nutrient-dense whole foods where you can, and leave room for flexibility without the side of guilt. Not only that, the processing status of a food does not always tell you about nutrients (protein powders, fruit yoghurts, potato chips, and gummy worms are all in the UPF category!). Nutrition is the long game and we want to focus, as much as possible, on whole foods and lots of plants with a dash of flexibility.  Does alcohol affect hormone levels and increase breast cancer risk? What about soy? Alcohol is a Class 1 carcinogen, and even moderate drinking raises your lifetime breast cancer risk (and upper digestive tract, liver, and prostate too!). While outdated myths falsely claim that whole soy products cause cancer (when human trials prove soy is actually protective), alcohol is the real driver that disrupts sleep and increases cancer risk. Many people with breasts will be afraid of mammograms but not of their very regular alcohol consumption even though one saves lives and the other does not. There is no safe amount of alcohol. Period. Can perimenopause start in your 30s? What are the signs I’m nearing menopause? Can I use hormone therapy in perimenopause? The menopause transition or perimenopause can begin many years before your final period, so yes, you can be in perimenopause in your late 30s and early 40s. Even though perimenopause is defined by changes in menstrual bleeding, earliest symptoms are often mood and sleep disturbances. Hormone Therapy (or Menopausal hormone therapy, MHT) is a highly safe, effective, and valid first-line option to preserve your quality of life, not a dangerous last resort that you have to suffer enough to "earn." There are other options as well. Obviously, lifestyle modification should always be part of the plan.  How do I know if my period flow is heavy? What is a normal period? Heavy menstrual bleeding or heavy flow (categorized medically under Abnormal Uterine Bleeding or AUB) means losing over 80mL of blood per cycle, bleeding past 8 days, or regularly passing clots larger than a quarter. Flooding through products, needing to double up on tampons and pads, or waking up in the middle of the night to change protection, chronically being iron-deficient are all red flags. A sudden, significant shift from your personal baseline matters too–if your period jumps from a light 20mL to a heavy 70mL, that dramatic change warrants medical investigation even if it technically sits below the textbook 80mL diagnostic limit.  What are the best supplements to cure chronic fatigue and burnout?  You cannot out-supplement a broken lifestyle foundation, a chronic lack of sleep, or an under-fuelled body. Before spending thousands of dollars on adaptogens, green powders, or thyroid support supplements, you’ve gotta make sure you’re eating enough, getting your bloodwork done, getting good quality sleep, engaging in rest and fun, connecting with others, and moving your body. Millions of women suffer from chronic under-fuelling, sleep apnea, vitamin D deficiency, or iron deficiency (low ferritin) that can lead to fatigue, irritability, headaches, low mood, hair loss, and daytime sleepiness. We won’t get too much into the invisible load women carry, the constant low-grade climate anxiety, cost of living crisis, and geopolitical strife for now (but obviously those play roles too!). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. May 28

    PCOS is Now PMOS: The Good, The Bad, The Transition

    Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) got a major rebrand in May 2026, and it has taken the internet by storm. In this solo episode of Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show, Dr. Anne Hussain breaks down the shift from PCOS to PMOS: Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. She unpacks the science behind the new 15-syllable acronym (in plain language), why the polycystic ovary label was a misnomer and recently dropped, and how this updated terminology better reflects the multisystem, whole-body nature of the condition, especially the multiple hormones and insulin resistance involved. Dr. Anne covers what this means for your current diagnosis, whether your treatment plan will actually change, and what to expect as international guidelines get an update in 2028. She also tackles the downsides and criticisms of rebranding a condition affecting millions of people across the world. Finally, she leaves you with the most important reminder that the most important parts of the conversation, whether it’s called PCOS or PMOS, are you and your wellbeing. Key Takeaways What does PMOS stand for? PMOS stands for Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome. It is the new, official medical term for what was previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), reflecting the true multisystem nature of the condition. Why was the name changed from PCOS to PMOS? The term "polycystic" is misleading, reductive, and incomplete. Patients do not actually develop ovarian cysts; they develop arrested egg follicles due to altered folliculogenesis which we know as polycystic ovarian morphology. The new name acknowledges that PMOS is a full-body disorder involving widespread hormonal dysregulation (like testosterone, DHEA, GnRH), metabolic dysfunction (like insulin resistance and increased cardiometabolic risk), and ovarian dysfunction (like missing periods, anovulatory menstrual cycles). Do I have to get re-diagnosed if I already have PCOS? Nope. PMOS is an updated name for the exact same condition. Patients already diagnosed with PCOS automatically fall under the PMOS terminology without needing new testing or a separate diagnosis. Does the PMOS diagnosis change my treatment plan? At its core, and especially imminently, no. Our fundamental understanding of the condition hasn’t changed. However, by putting "metabolic" and "polyendocrine" right in the name, it pushes the medical community to treat root hormonal and metabolic drivers rather than just treating isolated reproductive symptoms like irregular periods, so hopefully you’ll get better care! What are the main criticisms of the PMOS name change? While scientifically accurate, a new name doesn't fix a broken healthcare system. Criticisms include the disruption of patient-led advocacy networks due to sudden SEO and algorithmic shifts, the exclusion of people without ovaries by keeping "ovarian" in the name, and the risk of corporations and grifters profiteering off the new "metabolic" label. Ultimately, your access to care is still heavily dictated by systemic policies, your postal code, and other factors. What is the timeline for the PMOS transition? According to the official rollout strategy published in The Lancet, there is a managed 3-year transition plan. This includes updating Electronic Health Records, engaging with the World Health Organization for new diagnostic codes, and fully integrating the PMOS framework into the International Guidelines by 2028. Chapters 00:00 PCOS is now PMOS 01:12 Name change FAQs 04:34 PMOS: The how and why 07:33 Pros of the rebrand 15:19 Criticisms and Cons of renaming 22:10 Next steps in PCOS/PMOS care References & Resources: Teede HJ et al. Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, the new name for polycystic ovary syndrome: a multistep global consensus process. Lancet. 2026 May 12. PMID: 42119588.  AE-PCOS Society Dr. Anne's links:  phasetophase.ca annehussain.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Apr 10

    Adenomyosis: The Heavy Flow and Period Pain Diagnosis That’s Often Missed

    Spotting between periods, heavy flow, and period pain–a few gynaecologic conditions can cause these symptoms. In fact, some of these conditions come bundled like a package. In this solo episode of Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show, Dr. Anne Hussain covers one of these conditions: Adenomyosis. She breaks down what adenomyosis actually is (in plain language), why it's so often missed, what it means for you and your fertility, and risk factors worth paying attention to. She also tackles the fertility conversation that rarely gets enough airtime, the diagnostic delays that leave so many people missing out on life, and management options, from the hormonal IUD and surgical approaches to the integrative strategies and physical therapies like pelvic floor physio (often borrowed from endometriosis data as research has historically lumped these conditions together). She also covers the often-overlooked definition of heavy and abnormal bleeding, the costs associated with adenomyosis, and how to advocate for yourself so that you get the care you deserve. Key Takeaways What is adenomyosis? Adenomyosis is a condition where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, often causing heavy menstrual bleeding, painful periods, and sometimes a tender or enlarged “boggy” uterus. It affects an estimated 20–35% of premenopausal menstruators and frequently coexists with endometriosis, fibroids, and polyps. What are the symptoms of adenomyosis? The hallmark symptoms are heavy flow and painful periods (dysmenorrhea), but adenomyosis can also cause chronic pelvic pain, painful sex, bloating, and fatigue from iron deficiency. Around 30% of cases are asymptomatic. What counts as heavy bleeding or abnormal uterine bleeding? Heavy menstrual bleeding is clinically defined as losing more than 80mL per period, periods lasting longer than 7-9 days, clots bigger than an inch across, flooding, or needing to double up on period products. Significant changes from your own baseline also matter, even if your numbers technically still fall within "normal" range. The cost of heavy bleeding and period pain–money spent on period products, days of work and life that are missed, energy and time spent to find appropriate care–are under-supported aspects of menstrual health. How is adenomyosis diagnosed? Transvaginal ultrasound is now a highly accurate diagnostic tool for adenomyosis, with closer to 90% sensitivity and specificity, making it more accessible and affordable than MRI. Advocate for imaging if your symptoms fit, and/or ask for a referral to a gynaecologist. How does adenomyosis affect fertility and pregnancy? The numbers aren’t super clear because adenomyosis often occurs with other gynaecologic conditions. That said, adenomyosis is associated with higher rates of pregnancy loss, preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and complications in assisted reproductive technology (ART) settings. Early referral to a fertility clinic and understanding your individual health are important. What are the treatment options for adenomyosis? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for adenomyosis. Options include painkillers like NSAIDs for period pain, combined oral contraceptives for pain and flow, the hormonal IUD (currently considered first-line), progestin-only therapies, conservative surgery, and hysterectomy. Integrative strategies are usually borrowed from endometriosis research (nutrition, exercise, pelvic physiotherapy, acupuncture, and supplements like ginger, omega-3s, addressing a vitamin D deficiency, ensuring iron adequacy, PEA) can support symptom management and long-term health alongside conventional care. This should be a shared decision made based on your goals, health status, values, and symptoms. Chapters 00:00 Adenomyosis stats 01:30 What is adenomyosis? 5:58 Risk factors 6:53 Diagnotic imaging 7:42 Infertility and fertility considerations 8:53 Conventional treatment 10:59 Integrative treatment options 14:39 Self-advocacy and tips Dr. Anne's links: What is a Normal Period Podcast Episode phasetophase.ca annehussain.com References PMID: 30969690, 37837497, 37809195, 39718325 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Adenomyosis: The Heavy Flow and Period Pain Diagnosis That’s Often Missed

  6. Mar 26

    Stop Blaming Cortisol with Dr. Jordan Robertson

    "Cortisol Face." "Cortisol Belly." If you spend any time in the wellness corner of the internet, you’d think cortisol was the ultimate villain ruining our health, bodies, and lives. But is this misunderstood stress hormone actually to blame, or is wellness culture just capitalizing on women’s fatigue in a world in which we’re under-resourced and over-extended? In this episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain is joined by Dr. Jordan Robertson, ND, founder of The Confident Clinician, to inject some much-needed critical thinking into the cortisol conversation. They break down why cortisol is actually a vital player in keeping you alive, why paying for routine cortisol testing is essentially throwing money into a bonfire, and what you should actually be testing for instead (hint: sleep apnea and iron deficiency). Dr. Jordan introduces the concept of allostatic load, your body's true capacity to handle stressors. Together, they challenge the current narrative telling women to "do less" and avoid high-intensity workouts to protect their hormones. Instead, they offer a refreshing, empowering reframe: true nervous system regulation isn't about avoiding hard things; it's about adequately fueling and resourcing your body so you can push your boundaries, build resilience, and operate at your best. Takeaways Cortisol is not the enemy. It’s a necessary buffering system that helps your body mount a response to physiological and psychological demands. It doesn't cause the distress; it just shows up to help you survive it. Cortisol testing doesn’t tell you much (unless you are being screened for overt adrenal diseases (like Cushing's or Addison's)). Routine cortisol testing for general fatigue is virtually useless due to massive inter-individual variability. It won't explain your symptoms, and it shouldn't dictate your treatment.  Focus on “allostatic load," not the actual individual hormone. Instead of trying to "fix" your cortisol with trendy supplements, focus on your body's overall capacity to handle stress. True resilience is built through foundational resources: adequate sleep, solid nutrition, and periodized recovery. Stop fearing high-Intensity exercise. Women are increasingly being told to avoid hard workouts to "protect their cortisol." In reality, you should exercise as hard and as often as you can adequately recover from. Intentional physical stress builds long-term metabolic resilience and better cortisol responses in the long run.  Look for the real culprits first before blaming your adrenal glands for your sluggishness. Iron deficiency, sleep apnea, and chronic under-fueling (like running on nothing but coffee and a banana until noon) perfectly mimic the symptoms of nervous system dysregulation (and will make your PMS worse too!).  Burnout makes your capacity feel small, like living inside a tight electric fence where every minor stressor zaps you. The goal isn't to stay inside that tiny fence forever by doing less; it’s to resource your body so you can push those boundaries outward and confidently take on hard things. This is hard, but not impossible, to do when we already have a high burden of responsibility. Get help! Chapters 00:00 Cortisol online 01:44 Jordan's intro and mission 06:40 Cortisol's role 11:00 Allostatic load and building resilience 21:19 Intentional stress and coping 23:20 HIIT and recovery 27:37 Cortisol testing 35:45 Habits that help for stress 42:50 Changing your mind Links: Dr. Jordan Robertson’s Links:  Follow Jordan on Instagram Learn about The Confident Clinician https://www.instagram.com/theconfidentclinicianclub/ https://confidentclinicianclub.com/ Dr. Anne’s Links:  phasestophase.ca annehussain.com More About Jordan Robertson: Jordan Robertson is on a mission to elevate integrative and naturopathic medicine to the standards of care that conventional medicine practices while simultaneously solving the unpaid research-labour crisis of Naturopathic Doctors. With a 15-year career in facilitation, research inquiry and critical appraisal at McMaster University, Jordan has taught thousands of students how to be better communicators, work in teams and research nutrition, integrative care, medicine and “space medicine” (that last one while co-facilitating a course with NASA). Jordan is the founder of The Confident Clinician, a database, clinical decision-making tool and home for over 700 full-time members, 60 fellows in her leadership program and over 5000 clinician subscribers to her free integrative magazine, The Stacks. She’s known for helping clinicians see their own potential, inspiring curiosity, vulnerability and “mind-changing” and for giving clinicians the push they need to become the best at what they do. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Stop Blaming Cortisol with Dr. Jordan Robertson

  7. Mar 12

    The Real Problem with Ultra-Processed Foods: It’s Not the Dye

    What do a tub of protein powder, a bag of salt and vinegar chips, and a can of chickpeas have in common? They’re all processed foods. If you listen to the extreme corners of wellness TikTok, processed foods are “toxic” and you should feel terribly guilty about eating them (and feeding them to your family!). But is that actually true? In this solo episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain tackles the ultimate health buzzword: Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs). She goes over what actually makes a food processed or ultra-processed using the NOVA Classification System, she takes you through the science and impact of UPFs on your health, breaks down the massive difference between a flash-frozen vegetable and a hyper-palatable cookie, and why panicking over a drop of artificial dye while ignoring the systemic impact of cheap palm oil completely misses the forest for the trees (pun intended!). This episode will take you through why craving chips isn't a failure of your willpower, how to navigate our current food environment, and how to build flexible and resilient nutrition strategies when life is busy and shelf-stable snacks are everywhere.  Key Takeaways Are all processed and ultra-processed foods bad? Lumping all packaged and processed foods together as “unhealthy” or “toxic” is a mistake. Protein powder, canned beans, and fruit yoghurt are technically processed, but offer nutritional value and much-needed convenience for our busy lives. We do want to minimize or avoid the sugar- and salt-ladened, hyperpalatable, low-on-nutrition UPFs because they tend to replace nutrient-dense foods, but not all UPFs are made equal. Do I need to avoid all UPFs? A small amount of candy or artificial dye on occasion isn’t going to make a huge difference in your health (unless you’re allergic to it!). The real culprits driving chronic disease are a lack of fibre, excess sugar and salt, and cheap, environmentally destructive refined oils like palm oil that are contributing to deforestation. So, definitely minimize and avoid UPFs when possible, but focus more on adding nutrient-dense whole and minimally-processed foods as much as possible.  What is the NOVA Food Classification System and what is a processed food anyway? Researchers categorize food by the purpose of its processing. Group 1 includes whole foods (like frozen berries, fresh spinach, oats, etc.), while Group 4 includes UPFs that are industrial formulations designed to be hyper-palatable and/or convenient, replacing other food groups (like candies, chips, and hot dogs, but also protein powder and fruit yoghurt). Why are ultraprocessed foods everywhere and often cheaper than fresh produce? UPFs are scientifically designed in labs with the perfect ratio of sugar, fat, salt, and carbs to make you want them more. Craving them isn't a moral failure; it's a multi-billion dollar success of the global food industry that lobbies for corporate profits at the expense of the health of average people and our planet.  What should I focus on in my own nutrition? We need a sprinkling of flexibility to create room for enjoyment, tradition, nostalgia, and convenience, so you don’t need to fear the occasional UPFs (frequency and quantity matters!). Our bodies are quite resilient, especially if we lay down some solid nutritional foundations. So, focus on balanced meals that have carbs (including fibre), protein, healthy fats and offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  Heart & Stroke Foundation on UPFs NOVA Food Classification System Adaptation: Food, Nutrition & Fitness I: The Digestion Journey Begins with Food Choices (Compiled in 2018 by EduChange with guidance from NUPENS, Sao Paulo) phasetophase.ca annehussain.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Real Problem with Ultra-Processed Foods: It’s Not the Dye

  8. Feb 26

    Breast Cancer Risk: Alcohol, HRT, and Soy with Dr. Ashley Chauvin

    Breast cancer is a diagnosis that carries immense weight, fear, and uncertainty. With statistics telling us that 1 in 8 women in Canada will be diagnosed in their lifetime, it is easy to feel powerless. But what if we shifted the conversation from fear to action? In this episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain is joined by Dr. Ashley Chauvin, ND, a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner who specializes in helping patients navigate life after cancer. Together, they break down the nuance behind breast cancer risk factors, moving past the sensationalized headlines to focus on what the evidence actually says. Dr. Chauvin explains the concept of "stacking the deck" in your favor, why breast cancer is never a punishment, and how to understand the magnitude of different risk factors. They dive deep into the uncomfortable truth about alcohol consumption, the reality of dense breast tissue, and the often-misunderstood relationship between menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer risk. They also tackle the lingering fear around soy and explain why your non-organic vegetables are perfectly safe (and necessary!). Whether you are looking to reduce your risk or are navigating a diagnosis, this episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based guide to taking control of your health. Takeaways Cancer is not a punishment–risk is about probability, not determinism. You can do everything "right" and still get cancer, or do everything "wrong" and never get it. The goal is simply to "stack the deck" in your favor by modifying the risk factors you can control, without blaming yourself for the ones you can't. The magnitude of risk matters as not all risk factors carry the same weight. While environmental factors might slightly increase risk, alcohol is a Class 1 carcinogen. Even moderate consumption can significantly increase breast cancer risk by at least 30% compared to non-drinkers. Breast density matters. It’s determined by the ratio of fibroglandular tissue to fatty tissue and can only be assessed via a mammogram. If you have dense breasts (Category C or D), supplemental screening like an ultrasound is often recommended because dense tissue can mask potential calcifications. Do not skip your mammogram. While no screening is perfect, the benefits of mammograms far outweigh the incredibly small risks associated with the radiation. Thermography is not an evidence-based alternative to a mammogram and can dangerously delay the diagnosis of a concerning lesion. Hormone therapy is not an absolute contraindication: The relationship between menopausal hormone therapy and breast cancer is nuanced. For those without a history of disease, the risk is similar to the average population for the first five years. Even for those with a high-risk genetic predisposition (like BRCA1 or BRCA2), hormone therapy may still be an option depending on their complete health profile. The myth that soy causes breast cancer stems from outdated 1990s studies on rats. Extensive human trials consistently show that soy consumption is safe, beneficial, and associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer, even for those with a history of estrogen-positive breast cancer. Soy is safe.  Chapters 00:00 Breast cancer stats 05:35 Risk factors 12:59 Alcohol 16:27 Breast density, mammograms, ultrasounds 19:27 Hormone therapy 29:18 Screening, mammography, radiation, thermography 39:17 Soy 42:59 Self-assessment 45:51 Reducing your risk of breast cancer 48:10 Genetic risks 51:25 Organic vs. non-organic food & wrap-up Dr. Ashley’s Links: instagram.com/ashleychauvin_nd https://drashleychauvin.com/   Breast Cancer Resources:  Breast Cancer Canada: https://breastcancer.ca/ Dense Breasts Canada: https://www.densebreastscanada.ca/ Canadian Cancer Society: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/breast/risks Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://annehussain.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Breast Cancer Risk: Alcohol, HRT, and Soy with Dr. Ashley Chauvin
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About

Phase to Phase is a podcast hosted by naturopathic doctor Anne Hussain. She's on a mission to empower and educate women to better understand their menstrual cycles and hormonal health.  Anne’s passion for menstrual advocacy and body literacy began in Pakistan where she received no education about periods or reproductive health growing up. Navigating her own polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) also inspired her to become an ND and write The Period Literacy Handbook.  Anne hopes to guide women through all phases of their hormonal health with this podcast, from their very first period to beyond perimenopause. Drawing on her training as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Anne will support listeners through symptoms ranging from mood, sleep and flow changes, to the impacts of hormone change on your skin, metabolism and bones. Anne reminds us that your health journey is unique and may be different from your mother, your neighbour, or your best friend. At the heart of it all, she believes that learning about your body and having agency over your health is not only an act of care for yourself, but also for each other and the world we share.  Listen for new episodes every other Thursday starting in September 2025. Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health.

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