Phase to Phase: The Hormone Health Show

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

"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

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

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

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

Peeing a little when you laugh or sneeze? Or maybe you've had chronic pain during sex or your period for so long that you think, 'This is just part of life?' In this important conversation, Dr. Anne Hussain and pelvic health physiotherapist Sheela Zelmer delve into the often-overlooked topic of the pelvic floor, discussing its critical roles (from digestion and urination to intimacy and pain) and the cultural taboos that often lead to dismissal. Sheela emphasizes how no amount of leakage is normal and how these sorts of concerns often get worse over time due to hormone change. You will learn the importance of seeking help, what a pelvic assessment truly involves, and how body awareness and acceptance are crucial for living life to the fullest. Takeaways The pelvic floor is a group of muscles essential for bladder and bowel control. Pelvic floor dysfunction can manifest in various ways, including urinary leakage, period pain, pain with sex, and even lower back pain. No amount of leakage is considered normal and should be addressed; the same goes for pain during periods or intercourse. Cultural taboos often prevent open discussions about pelvic health, which is a missed opportunity for women to learn about their bodies and get help. Pelvic assessments are crucial for understanding individual health needs. Breathing techniques can significantly impact pelvic floor health. Kegels or pelvic floor strengthening exercises are not the only way! Awareness and education can help normalize conversations about pelvic health. Women should be encouraged to explore and understand their bodies.Seeking help from a pelvic physiotherapist can be transformative for many women. More About Sheela Zelmer: Sheela Zelmer is a pelvic health physiotherapist, intimacy coach, and educator in Newmarket Ontario, which is part of the Greater Toronto Area. She works in private practice treating clients both in-person and virtually. Sheela graduated from the University of Toronto Physical Therapy Program in 1995 and obtained certification in Sex Therapy from the University of Guelph in 2021. She is also teaching faculty with Pelvic Health Solutions in partnership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, educating future pelvic health professionals. Sheela has practiced in orthopaedic and pelvic health for the past 30 years with special interest in women’s health and sexual wellness. www.sheelazelmer.com www.instagram.com/sheelazelmer/ Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://annehussain.com/ ⁠⁠ (00:00) Understanding the Pelvic Floor (05:22) Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Its Impact (10:32) Navigating Cultural Taboos and Stigmas (16:29) Assessment and Treatment of Pelvic Floor Issues (20:05) Bladder Function and Urination Habits (24:24) Vaginal Health and Examination (30:15) Empowerment Through Knowledge and Self-Exploration (33:33) Seeking Help and Normalizing Conversations 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

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

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