Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show

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

    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

    19 min
  2. Stop Blaming Cortisol with Dr. Jordan Robertson

    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

    47 min
  3. The Real Problem with Ultra-Processed Foods: It’s Not the Dye

    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

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

    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

    57 min

  5. FEB 12

    Why You Need Fibre for Your Heart, Hormones, and Longevity

    If there was a magical solution that could lower your cholesterol, improve your hormonal health, and support true longevity, would you take it? In this solo episode, Dr. Anne Hussain, ND argues that fibre needs a PR campaign that goes beyond gut health. With heart disease remaining the leading killer of women in Canada, she breaks down why this "unsexy" nutrient is the missing link for your heart health (blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure) especially if you have a condition like PCOS and perimenopause. She explains why fibre is more important than protein to live a long healthy life while decreasing the risk of chronic illnesses (heart disease, cancer, and cognitive decline). She takes you through the importance of getting 25-30g of fibre per day and tips for anyone who’s worried that fibre gives them gas, bloating, and weird poops.  Key Takeaways Which foods are good for longevity? They’re the kinds that are “unsexy”--the ones that come from plants that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients like fibre. While the wellness industry tries to sell expensive biohacks, fibre is the straightforward solution that lowers cholesterol, improves blood pressure, stabilizes blood sugar, and reduces the risk of dying from chronic illness. True longevity has more to do with systems and lifestyle modification including nutritious food (and access to said food!) than gadgets and supplements.  Why is fibre crucial for hormone health and heart health? Heart disease remains the leading killer of women in Canada, and fibre is the unsung hero of cardiovascular protection. Beyond the heart, fibre plays a big role in supporting cardiometabolic changes seen in perimenopause and in conditions like PCOS by improving insulin resistance and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.  How much fibre do women need daily? While protein is vital, the obsession with animal protein (which has zero fibre) has led to people forgetting about fibre. Most Canadians are only getting 10–15g per day, which is about half of the recommended 25-30g for women needed for a healthy gut microbiome, long-term health, hormones, disease prevention, and your heart. How do you figure out how much fibre you’re getting? Whether you use an app or a simple journal, knowing your baseline is the first step to closing the gap. Use 1 or more days of regular eating, input that into an app or discuss with a nutrition and dietetics profession, and take it from there! What is fibre anyway? Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that your body can’t digest. The two broad categories include soluble and insoluble fibre. Fibre’s only found in plant foods (whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds). Animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy contain zero fibre, which is why a diverse, plant-forward diet is the way to hit your daily targets. What if fibre causes an upset digestive system, like gas or bloating? If you jump from 10g to 30g overnight, you will experience gas and bloating. To avoid this, it is recommended that people increasing their fibre do so slowly. If you have a condition like IBS, it’s best to discuss fibre additions with your health team as different kinds of fibre as well as fibre-containing foods might be less suitable, leading to more symptoms.  Supplements like Metamucil (psyllium husk) can offer convenience and help with blood sugar regulation, but they shouldn't replace whole foods. A supplement can't mimic the full nutritional matrix of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals found in raspberries, lentils, and oats.  Dr. Anne’s blog post on fibre: https://annehussain.com/blog/fuelling-your-heart-and-hormonal-health-with-fibre Heart and Stroke Foundation on fibre: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/healthy-living/healthy-eating/fibre-and-whole-grains Canadian Digestive Health Foundation on fibre: https://cdhf.ca/en/fibre-and-its-benefits/ phasetophase.ca annehussain.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    22 min
  6. The Truth About The Birth Control Pill with Dr. Brittany Schamerhorn, ND

    JAN 29

    The Truth About The Birth Control Pill with Dr. Brittany Schamerhorn, ND

    Heavy periods? Take the pill. Period pain? Take the pill. Acne? Take the pill. It feels like the universal solution for every hormone-based problem, doesn’t it? Even if you aren't trying to prevent pregnancy, chances are you’ve walked out of a doctor's office with a prescription in hand. But is it a "band-aid" solution that masks the root cause, or is it a valid, life-changing tool? In this episode, Naturopathic Drs. Anne Hussain and Brittany Schamerhorn have the nuanced conversation about birth control that most of us never got to have in the doctor's office. They tackle the biggest myths and worries patient face: Does the pill cause infertility? Am I going to get “post-pill syndrome”? Is it actually just masking symptoms? Whether you are happily on the pill, desperate to come off, or somewhere in between, this episode gives you the permission and the scripts to make the choice that is right for you. Takeaways The birth control pill is often seen as a universal solution for hormonal issues from acne and PMS to heavy flow and period pain. The combined oral contraceptive pill has estrogen and progestin that suppress ovulation and the symptoms associated with hormone change over a menstrual cycle.  There are different types of birth control pills with varying mechanisms of action. Withdrawal bleeds are not necessary for everyone on the pill. Many side effects of the pill can be adjusted with different formulations. The pill does not cause infertility or ruin your fertility. However, it can cover up underlying fertility issues (like irregular ovulation due to PCOS, or heavy periods due to adenomyosis) for years. This means that when you come off the pill, these conditions still exist.  Post-pill syndrome is often overstated and requires time for adjustment.  Women should feel empowered to change their contraceptive choices at any time. Hormonal contraception provides significant value in family planning and hormonal management. Open communication with healthcare providers is crucial for informed decision-making. It's essential to have open conversations about health decisions with providers. Patients should feel comfortable questioning their treatment options and changing their mind based on their experience and circumstances.  Dr. Brittany Schamerhorn is a naturopathic doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and the founder of Ivy Health Clinic in Kelowna, BC. Dr. Brittany focuses in women’s hormone health - supporting women from PMS to menopause and everything in between.  She’s known for her down-to-earth, evidence-based approach that helps women feel seen, heard, and empowered with real answers. Beyond her clinical work, she’s a mentor and educator to other clinicians, helping them grow their confidence in prescribing and women’s health Links:  Dr. Brittany’s Clinic in Kelowna, Ivy Health Connect with Dr. Brittany on Instagram: Resources: Blog post on the pill and fertility Blog post on PCOS and the pill Grab Dr. Anne's Period Literacy Handbook⁠ Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://annehussain.com/  Chapters (00:00) Understanding the Birth Control Pill (03:12) The Role of Hormones in Women's Health (06:26) Mechanisms of the Pill: Combined vs. Progestin-Only (09:01) Who Should Avoid the Combined Pill? (12:34) The Necessity of Withdrawal Bleeds (18:05) Navigating Patient Conversations (23:31) Fertility Considerations and the Pill (28:40) Post-Pill Syndrome: Myth or Reality? (31:07) Navigating Fertility and Hormonal Health (35:47) Understanding Contraceptive Choices (39:26) The Value of Contraception (41:43) Common Side Effects of the Pill (45:17) Evolving Perspectives on Health Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    54 min

  7. JAN 15

    2026 Hormone Trends: What’s Hot and What’s Not

    When the year resets, the wellness world is flooded with trend reports promising the "next big thing."  In this solo episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain looks into her (metaphorical) crystal ball to share her predictions for the biggest hormone health trends of 2026. She breaks down what is "hot" (the unsexy return to basics), what is "not" (the fear-mongering around seed oils), and the trends she is actively trying to will into existence. She takes us through why we need to stop diagnosing ourselves with "cortisol face," why the protein obsession needs to make room for fibre and calcium, and why "hormone imbalance" is a description, not a diagnosis. She also tackles the more serious reality of health inequity and explains why true hormone health isn't about buying more gadgets, but about community, advocacy, and protecting our public healthcare systems. Whether you are an early adopter and trend-chaser or a skeptic who loves science, this episode is a must-listen.  Key Takeways:  We’re making room for fibre and calcium in 2026. Protein is going to share the limelight this year because fibre is critical for gut health, hormonal health, and heart health, while calcium is essential for your bones (and many other things) especially as you get older.  We’re predicting a shift away from the "butter and beef tallow everything" trend. Saturated fats can increase heart disease and cancer risk, while worsening insulin resistance and inflammation (PCOS, anyone?). So, we’re moving toward less saturated fat and less anti-scientific fear-mongering regarding “inflammatory” seed oils.   The trend for fitness is moving away from vibrating plates and weighted vests and back to the foundations: lifting heavy things, cardiovascular health, and joyful movement. We are likely going to see AI-infused apps and gadgets, which serve a purpose, but beware of who’s harvesting your data! We need to stop pathologizing normal human physiology like water retention. Fluid retention has been conflated with “cortisol face”, “cortisol belly”, and “inflammation” a lot in 2024 and 2025. We’re leaving that behind and understanding that cortisol normally fluctuates (and is an important player in your body), while water retention can also change based on salt, carbs, heat, and hormones. Health and wealth inequities are an increasing trend I’m hoping will go away, but are likely here to stay for 2026. You can’t biohack your way out of a broken system, so let’s focus on the pillars of hormonal health: accessible and supportive healthcare, voting with our voices and dollars, and focusing on community instead of consumerism.  Chapters (00:00) The Hormone Health Ins and Outs of 2026 (01:08) The Return of Fibre and Calcium (04:32) Beef Tallow, Saturated Fat, and Seed Oils (06:26) Physical Activity: Weighted Vests, Vibration Plates, Cycle Syncing, Weight Lifting, and Cardio (08:05) Nuance in Health Content and Hormone Science (09:46) Cortisol Face, Inflammation, Water Retention, Salt, Electrolytes, and Hormone Imbalance (13:45) Health Equity and Community Building Resources: Osteoporosis Canada Calcium Calculator Grab Dr. Anne's Period Literacy Handbook Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://annehussain.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    Understanding PCOS: Symptoms and Solutions Explained

    In this episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain dives deep into Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a topic near and dear to her heart as someone who has PCOS herself. This common yet complex condition affects so much more than your ovaries, menstrual cycles, and fertility. She emphasizes that PCOS is a lifelong, multi-system condition that requires a comprehensive approach to management that will evolve over time. She breaks down how PCOS is diagnosed, the role of insulin resistance and inflammation, how your PCOS is not your fault, and the impacts on your long term health–from weight and skin to fertility and heart health. Dr. Hussain also highlights the role of nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management in managing PCOS, as well as potentially beneficial medications and supplements. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, this episode is a must-listen to help you advocate for yourself and build a sustainable plan rooted in science and self-compassion. Takeaways It’s not just about your ovaries, periods, or fertility. PCOS is actually a multi-system, lifelong hormonal and metabolic condition that impacts your mood, energy, skin, and long-term health. You don’t need to have polycystic ovaries to have PCOS! PCOS requires us to rule out conditions that look like PCOS, while meeting two of the three Rotterdam diagnostic criteria of: (1) irregular or anovulatory menstrual cycles, (2) hyperandrogenic symptoms or labs (like acne, hirsutism, and hair loss, or high testosterone and DHEA in blood), (3) polycystic ovaries on ultrasound or high AMH in blood PCOS comes in all shapes and sizes. Symptoms of PCOS can vary from person to person and these symptoms can change over time! The common signs and symptoms seen in PCOS include irregular periods, acne, hair loss, hirsutism, fatty liver, abdominal weight gain, infertility, gestational diabetes, mood dysregulation, higher risk of heart disease, and more Insulin resistance is the biggest underlying factor in PCOS and contributes to the hormonal dysregulation that is often seen in PCOS. PCOS is influenced by genetic, environmental, familial, and lifestyle factors. You did not cause your PCOS!  Managing your PCOS often requires a multimodal approach with a focus on foundations like nutrition, exercise, sleep, mental health support, stress management, and more. Medications and supplements can be layered on top depending on your, your goals, and your health.  Chapters (00:00) Understanding PCOS: A Lifelong Journey (02:56) The Diagnostic Criteria of PCOS (06:12) Symptoms and Manifestations of PCOS (08:59) Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Dysfunction (11:49) Root Causes of PCOS (14:55) Building a Health Plan for PCOS (18:11) Nutrition and PCOS Management (20:59) Exercise and Lifestyle Changes (23:46) Sleep and Stress Management Resources: https://annehussain.com/pcosacne Grab Dr. Anne's Period Literacy Handbook: ⁠https://annehussain.com/plh⁠ Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://annehussain.com/ ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
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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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