What’s the first thing you want when your health feels off? A test. But in the world of hormone health, testing often doesn't tell us much more than what you already know. In this solo episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain discusses the complexities of hormone testing and its role in understanding the world of hormone imbalances. She tackles the myth that labs are always the answer, explaining why hormones are meant to fluctuate, and why sex hormone testing doesn't work like testing for iron or vitamin D. She offers evidence-based guidance on when testing actually matters (like fertility work-ups, missing periods, diagnosing PCOS, etc.), why blood tests are the tried-and-true method, and why many costly salivary or urinary tests are unnecessary. She ends off sharing what kinds of things you need to start paying attention to, how you can advocate for better hormone healthcare, and which non-hormonal tests are important for your hormonal symptoms.  Takeaways Hormone testing has a time and place, but you likely don’t need a “fancy” (and expensive!) salivary or urinary hormone test. Blood testing and consulting with your medical team is what’s best to get to the bottom of what’s going on. Hormones naturally fluctuate, which means you’ll have some highs and lows when we test your estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, FSH, and LH depending on where in your menstrual cycle you are and what else is going on.  Not all symptoms are directly linked to hormone levels. In fact, 10 people with PMS could have very different hormone levels when we test. How your body and brain perceive hormone change matters. Hormone testing should answer specific questions or guide treatment. Your experience is the most important information when it comes to your hormone health. Hormone testing doesn’t always tell us more than what your symptoms and story tell us, especially for PMS and perimenopause.  Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://annehussain.com/ ⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever found yourself wide awake at 3 a.m., wrestling with anxiety and night sweats? Or, maybe you walked into a room with a purpose and completely forgot why you’re there? It could be the beginning of the transition to menopause. In this episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain is joined by fellow Naturopathic Doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, Dr. Laurie Alpert. They explore the complexities of perimenopause and menopause, highlighting the often-overlooked symptoms that accompany this time when hormone changes, chronological aging, and the stresses of life are all happening simultaneously, leaving you wondering what "normal" is. They discuss various aspects of health management during perimenopause, focusing on hormone therapy, lifestyle modifications like nutrition and exercise, and the importance of collaborative care so you can feel more like yourself now and set yourself up for the future.  Takeaways Perimenopause is a significant transition with hormone change that affects many aspects of health and life, and it can present with a spectrum of signs and symptoms.  Menopause is defined as one day, marking the twelve-month anniversary of your final period ever. After this, you’re considered post-menopause.  Insomnia is a common concern in perimenopause that can affect energy, mood, appetite, weight, and memory! Difficulty falling asleep and waking up frequently can be due to hot flashes, night sweats, frequent urination, and even sleep apnea.  Tracking menstrual cycles and symptoms can provide valuable insights for healthcare providers  Lifestyle modifications, like working on stress, sleep, exercise, nutrition, and avoiding alcohol, can significantly improve quality of life during this transition including your metabolic health, breast cancer risk, bone health, and sleep.  Regular health screenings are crucial during midlife to monitor changes, and this may or may not include hormone testing. Hormone therapy is a primary treatment for menopausal symptoms but not the only option. There are supplements, herbs, counselling, acupuncture, and more that we can use with or without estrogen and progesterone therapy.  There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to perimenopausal hormone change. Collaborative care that centres you and your experience is where it’s at! More About Dr. Laurie Alpert, ND Dr. Laurie Alpert is a Naturopathic Doctor and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with expertise in supporting women through perimenopause.  Combining conventional standards of care with evidence-based integrative therapies, she provides strategic and collaborative healthcare to help you make the most of this transition. In addition to providing one-on-one clinical care to Ontario residents, she facilitates a Clinical Menopause Mentorship program for integrative medical professionals, and has designed a DIY 8 week Perimenopause Sleep Solutions experience to support the unique needs for sleep recovery during this significant lifestage.  Work with Dr. Laurie Follow Dr. Laurie on Instagram Perimenopause Sleep Solutions Menopause Practitioner Circle Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠⁠⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://annehussain.com/  (00:00) Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause (02:36) Defining Menopause Terminology (05:40) Common Symptoms and Changes During Perimenopause (09:11) The Impact of Sleep on Health (15:18) The Role of Caffeine and Alcohol (19:09) Tracking Symptoms and Seeking Help (24:56) Essential Health Screenings During Midlife (27:22) Understanding Hormone Testing (28:18) Lifestyle Modifications for Better Health (31:14) The Importance of Nutrition and Hydration (33:05) Exercise and Its Impact on Sleep (37:23) Addressing Sleep Disruptions (42:44) Collaborative Care and Evolving Perspectives on Health Care Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the real cost of dealing with hair loss, unwanted hair growth, and acne? In this episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain tackles the emotional, financial, and mental toll that hair and skin struggles take, especially for those of you navigating perimenopause or a condition like PCOS. Dr. Anne cuts through the marketing noise to give you a solid foundation on underlying causes (hormones, genetics, stress) and breaks down which tests are actually worth your money. Most importantly, she offers a mindset shift: your worth is not tied to your appearance. She offers practical solutions for managing skin and hair changes while stressing the need for professional help and sustainable treatment options.  Takeaways Your wallet can take a hit as you deal with hair fall, acne, and unwanted hair growth. Many women spend thousands and thousands of dollars on skincare, procedures, and supplements trying to figure out what to do.  There are other costs, like the mental and emotional toll, that are often overlooked in discussions about skin and hair health.  The hormonal changes of perimenopause and conditions like PCOS are common causes of hair and skin issues.  Self-esteem can be deeply affected by hair loss and acne. It's important to view chronic acne and hair loss as ongoing vs. looking for temporary solutions.  Testing can be helpful, but not all testing is useful! Tracking symptoms and treatments can help manage conditions effectively. SPF is essential for skin health, especially for those with acne. The truth is that you likely need internal and topical support for your hair and skin. Professional help is crucial for effective management of hair and skin concerns. 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. Chapters (00:00) The Hidden Costs of Hair and Skin Issues (13:14) Understanding the Causes of Hair Loss and Acne (22:50) Practical Solutions for Managing Hair and Skin Concerns (34:09) Emotional Well-being and Self-Compassion in Treatment Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://annehussain.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right for weight loss, but your body just won't cooperate? On this episode, Dr. Anne Hussain and obesity medicine expert Dr. Ashley White unpack why "eat less, move more" is an oversimplified and often harmful message. They tackle the weight stigma that’s everywhere, exploring how biology, genetics, and environment play a bigger role than willpower. You'll also learn the truth about the calorie-in/calorie-out model, appetite literacy, the role of medications like semaglutide, and the amount of weight loss that can lead to significant health improvements in your life (it’s not what you think!). It’s time to move beyond shame and blame! This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a more compassionate and sustainable strategy that works for you, not against you. Takeaways • It’s not just willpower! Your body and how you carry weight is a complex interplay of biology, genetics, hormones, and the environment. • The one-size-fits-all model is broken and doesn’t work. A sustainable approach to weight management must be individualized, compassionate, and focused on your unique needs. • The scale (aka your gravitational pull to the earth) isn't the only metric that matters. Learn about the other indicators of health that can help you reframe your idea of "success" beyond your weight. • Stop fighting your appetite and learn the powerful concepts of appetite literacy and “regulation over restraint" to work with your body, not against it. • Don’t forget about the stigma! This is a big one. Diet culture and weight stigma all around us plays a huge role in how we think, feel, and deal with weight management. You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself in a world that often oversimplifies weight. • A little can go a long way: Understand why even a modest, sustainable change can lead to significant improvements in your health and well-being. More about Dr. Ashley White: Dr. Ashley White is a metabolic strategist and physician innovator who's reimagining women's health care. Through her practice at Clarity Health Burlington and her online platform The Shift System™, she helps patients design sophisticated strategies for metabolic resilience that evolve with their lives. Drawing on her background in emergency medicine, obesity medicine, and public health, Dr. White brings a unique systems-thinking approach to complex health challenges. She works particularly with accomplished women navigating the intersection of professional success and personal health challenges, helping them see the connections between seemingly unrelated health issues. As Director of Women's Health for https://www.doou.ca/, she's also at the forefront of creating innovative healthcare delivery models. Dr. White holds a Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University, a Master's in Public Health, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. https://www.theshift.clinic/about 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. Chapters (00:00) Understanding Weight Loss Variability (04:02) The Complexity of Weight Management (08:54) Personal Connections to Obesity Medicine (16:00) Environmental Influences on Weight (24:13) Transdiagnostic Approaches in Obesity Care (30:06) Realistic Expectations in Weight Loss (36:01) Appetite Literacy and Self-Advocacy (40:35) Understanding ADHD and Appetite Dynamics (41:54) The Importance of Communication in Weight Management (44:10) The Role of Food as Fuel (46:32) Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare (48:59) Changing Perspectives on Patient Advocacy Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠ ⁠https://annehussain.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if everything you've been told about "balancing" your hormones isn't the whole story? In this inaugural episode of Phase to Phase, Dr. Anne Hussain pulls back the curtain on hormone health. She shares her origin story, from growing up with no menstrual education to navigating her own PCOS diagnosis, and explains the deeply personal mission that drives her work. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, confused, or like you’re losing your mind trying to get answers about your health, you’re in the right place. Join us as we explore the deeply personal and political nature of women's health, and learn how developing agency over your body is a form of resistance. Anne promises to cut through the wellness noise to give you the science-backed clarity you deserve. This is the beginning of a conversation dedicated to making you the expert on your own body. Takeaways • You're not imagining things! If you've ever felt like your symptoms were dismissed or that you were told they're "just stress," you've found a place that believes you. • No more snake oil: Learn to spot expensive promises and fear-mongering so you can make health decisions based on science and evidence, not marketing. • Your body, your data. Your lived experience matters! Discover how tracking your symptoms can help you decode what's happening in your body and tell your most powerful health story. • Become your own advocate: Get the tools to navigate the healthcare system with confidence and ask for the care you need and deserve. • It's all connected. You’ll understand that your hormones don't work in isolation. In fact, they're linked to your lifestyle, your emotions, and the world around you. • Find your wellness compass in this age of information overload. Phase to Phase will help you tell the difference between what's helpful and what's just noise, so you can build a health plan that truly works for you. 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. Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Hormone Health (01:01) The Need for Evidence-Based Information (02:20) Personal Journey and Menstrual Education (04:45) Professional Background and Experience (07:14) Empowering Women in Healthcare (09:24) Understanding Hormonal Health (11:19) Navigating Misinformation in Health (12:18) The Political Nature of Health (14:11) Commitment to Education and Growth (15:00) Upcoming Topics and Personal Connections Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: https://phasetophase.ca/  https://annehussain.com/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show hosted by Naturopathic Doctor Anne Hussain. Inspired by her own journey with PCOS and her passion for menstrual advocacy, Dr. Hussain is on a mission to empower women to better understand their hormonal health. Anne will guide listeners through every phase and cycle — from your first period to beyond perimenopause. With expertise as a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner along with guest experts, you'll learn about how hormones affect your mood, sleep, skin, metabolism, and even bone health. She will also cover hormone testing, hormone therapy, supplementation and more. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices