Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show

By Anne HussainMedicine Alternative Health Health & Fitness

Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show episodes

June 1112 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!).

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27 min
May 28PCOS 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

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26 min
April 10Adenomyosis: 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

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20 min
March 26Stop 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.

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48 min
March 12The 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

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23 min
February 26Breast 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/

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58 min
February 12Why 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

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22 min
January 29The 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

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54 min
January 152026 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/

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20 min
December 11, 2025Understanding 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/ ⁠

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32 min

About Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show

From the publisher's feed

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.

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Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show

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About Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show