Dr. Anne Hussain, Naturopathic Doctor

February is heart health awareness month. __ Having PCOS increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease - we're talking about heart disease, diabetes, hypertension etc. as well as gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and blood vessel issues in the placenta (which is why we see a higher risk of miscarriage in this population). __ Insulin resistance and inflammation are commonly seen in PCOS. We also see a high amount of fatty liver disease, thyroid disorders, hormonal... dysregulation, and cholesterol issues. All of these contribute to our cardiovascular disease risk. And then we tack on other things like our social determinants of health, chronological aging, food and nutrition, genetics, medical history etc. and that can contribute to our risk further. __ Our health status and disease risks are affected by so many things! And as we age, we start to see the cumulative effect of all of these things. That's why understanding what's happening in your body and your life now becomes so important. Your experience and goals - short-term and long-term - allow us to support your individual needs and we can run testing and track changes over time to make sure you and your body are supported. __ There are lots of options to support healthy insulin levels, decrease symptoms, improve quality of life, achieve your health goals, and decrease long-term risk of morbidity. Lifestyle and nutrition form a big part of that. If you're interested in learning more about insulin, insulin resistance, and what we can all do to support healthy blood sugar regulation, I have a new blog post up on my website all about it (the link's in my bio). __ #insulinresistance #insulin #pcos #pcoscyster #veganpcos #periods #hearthealth #annehussain #cardiovasculardisease #pcosblog #heartdisease #vegandiabetes #cysterhood #plantbasedpcos #pcoswarrior #pcosproblems #fertility #pcosfertility #pcosinfertility #vegancyster #pcosdoctor #pcosnaturopath #auroranaturopath #newmarketnaturopath See more

PCOS can seem like a lonely road. And anxiety and depression are commonly a part of the picture here. __ There are a variety of interconnected reasons for this including: - high androgens - blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance ... - cortisol (stress hormone) issues - low grade inflammation and neuroinflammmation - physical manifestations such as acne, hirsutism, and weight gain - digestive issues - fertility issues - concomitant thyroid issues - lack of ovulation that disrupts cyclical hormone release - possibly low vitamin D levels - irregular eating habits or concomitant eating disorders - ups and downs of symptoms - feeling like you don't know what to do - lack of support - other social determinants of health - life (and the world!) __ So, if your mood is up and down, you're not alone and there are many factors at play. Finding what helps you is important. If you're looking for support, feel free to reach out - there are lots of resources (many here on IG/FB!) and discovery calls are complimentary __ #mentalhealth #pcoswarrior #cysters #pcoscysters #pms #pcosproblems #pcosacne #pcos #pcoscyster #veganpcos #vegannaturopath #plantbasedhormones #destress #pcosnutrition #pcosnaturopath #veganfertility #cysterhood #pcosfertility #auroranaturopath #drannehussainnd #veganfertility #newmarketnaturopath See more

Let's talk about ovulation. __ Ovulation is the event that happens approximately halfway through your menstrual cycle: your follicles ruptures and releases an egg. When your follicle releases the egg, the follicle remnant (corpus luteum) makes progesterone. So, if you're not ovulating, you're not making this progesterone. Your adrenal glands make a bit of progesterone. Note: if you're on the birth control pill, your ovulation is suppressed, and you may be taking progestins, b...ut these are not the same as natural/bioidentical progesterone. __ Producing estrogen and progesterone in a cyclical fashion has benefits to your health. Healthy estrogen levels helps with bone health, appetite regulation, muscle growth, blood sugar regulation, skin health and more. Healthy progesterone levels help with mood regulation (more on this and PMDD later), healthy breast tissue, decrease inflammation, "balance" out the effects of estrogen, and more. Doing this on a regular basis helps our current health and future health - according to Dr. Jerilynn Prior's work, ovulating for 35-40 years has been associated with decreased risks of heart disease, cognitive disease, and bone deterioration. __ The benefits of having a cycle isn't because of one particular hormone; it's because of the ebb and flow of all the hormones. In research studies, scientists have a hard time isolating the effects of estrogen or progesterone because they have synergistic AND antagonistic effects based on the tissue and the local environment of that tissue (isn't that amazing?!). You may need or choose to use medications that suppress ovulation (like the birth control pill) or other meds that affect your hormones and that's okay! You can use the info in these posts to start a conversation with your healthcare providers to determine if the course you are on is the best for your body and long-term goals, and also to see if there are ways to support your body and future health better while on those meds. __ #ovulation #menstruation #periodtalk #periodliteracy #perioddoctor #fertility #veganfertility #plantbasedperiods #plantbasedpcos #annehussain #plantbasedendometriosis #plantbasedfertility #hormonenaturopath See more

Yup, it can take a LONG time to get a diagnosis of endometriosis. __ If you're wondering what endometriosis is and why it takes long to diagnose, refer to my last post/reel. __ Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition, so support for those with endo = decrease inflammatory burden + increase anti-inflammatory measures. Food & lifestyle measures can really make a big difference here and research shows this as well!... __ Let's go over some considerations for those of you with endo as promised in my last post/reel: - more fruits and veggies, especially a wide variety - more fibre - more healthy fats like olive oil and omega-3s - less trans-fats and refined sugars - less red meat - restful sleep - more foods high in antioxidants - vitamin D adequacy - decrease/avoid environmental toxic exposure/burden - regular low-fat dairy consumption has actually been shown to be associated with lower endo risk, so as much as I personally don't like dairy or the dairy industry, there you have it - better elimination: urination, sweating, pooping - adequate hydration - stress management +self-care practices __ Obviously, there are more specific ways to address endo and inflammation in general, but that's a discussion for you to have with your ND, MD, or other healthcare provider. __ Remember: it's not all or nothing, but you've gotta start somewhere __ PMID:3074044028326519 #endowarrior #endometriosisawareness #endopain #endometriosis #periodtalk #veganendometriosis #periodpain #periodproblems #pmsproblems #pmsnutrition #endonutrition #antioxidants #antiinflammatorydiet #auroranaturopath #auroraontario See more

Did you know that endometriosis research has shown that those with endo tend to eat less fruits and veggies than menstruators without endo? __ Well, now you do . Fruits and vegetables provide antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fibre to support our bodies, support anti-inflammatory processes, and resolve inflammatory processes. And endometriosis, my friends, is an inflammatory condition. __ Incorporating a variety of fruits and veggies - eating the rainbow - is a great way... to get the different phytochemicals found in different plants . __ Did you have your fruits and veggies today? __ Platter boxes inspired by @thelivingplatter PMID 28326519, 29401293, 31646261 #platterlife #plattersofinstagram #antioxidants #fruitsandveggies #veganplatter #vegannutrition #veganuary #endometriosis #veganendometriosis #plantbasedfertility #eattherainbow #auroranaturopath #endopain #antiinflammatorydiet #endowarrior #endometriosisawareness See more

Restful sleep = better energy levels, pain tolerance, capacity to make decisions, appetite, hormone regulation, mood, and capacity to deal with everything life brings our way. __ If your sleep is on sometimes and off at other times, track it against your cycle - you may notice a pattern (hint: it's usually worse before a period for most menstrators). __ Sleep is one of the foundations for our health. If your sleep is off (like MANY of my perimenopause patients when they c...ome to see me), it's one of the first things we focus on. __ Note 1: if your sleep has been a bit different since March, you are not alone Note 2: naps can be helpful __ How's your sleep? __ #gotosleep #sleepypuppy #sleep #sleepingbeauty #naptime #sweetdreams #bichonfrise #puppiesofinstagram #bedtime #pmsproblems #pmsing #periodtalk #hormonehealth #melatonin #auroranaturopath See more

Golden hour __ Hope you all had a restful weekend and were able to get some play time in Play and rest make for smoother flow in your cycles and life __ #goldenhour #nofilterneeded #nofilter #forestbathing #breathe #shinrinyoku #naturecure #nature #naturecures #getoutside #freshair #hiking #ontariohikes #fallhikes #autumnvibes #townofinnisfil #fridayharbour #innisfilontario

"Don't forget: beautiful sunsets need cloudy skies..." - Paulo Coelho __ How stunning was the sunset today?! __ #sunsets #natureisbeautiful #skyonfire #cloudyskies #sunsetlover... #nofilterneeded #townofaurora #loveyr See more

Fertility - as with most things in life - is a short and perhaps even unexpected journey for some, while a difficult and long one for others. __ Our sorrows lessen when divided; the biggest reminder for those of you trying to conceive and carry to term is that you are not alone. It's #worldfertilityday and I'm sending big love to all of you __ #worldfertilityday #fertility #infertility #pcosfertility #mentalhealth #menses #menstrualcycle #plantbasedfertility #fertilityacupuncture #pcosinfertility #auroranaturopath #annehussain #newmarketnaturopath #ttc

It's #wordveganday! (and this is what I made for my mum's bday celebrations yesterday - butternut squash soup, mushroom risotto, and chocolate cake - frosted the cake with a coffee chocolate buttercream afterwards ) __ Fun fact: I've been a mostly whole-food plant-based vegan for approximately 14 years. (For more on vegan vs. plant-based, check out @drnitubajekal 's post from eariler today). In fact, as I started to shift my lifestyle, my PCOS symptoms started to improve. ...__ Many of my vegan and/or plant-based patients, especially PCOS ones, have been told in the past by other healthcare providers that their best bet for success is to add in animal products. This isn't true. There are so many ways to approach food and nutrition. You do you! __ My approach is always to serve the person in front of me and taking all of you into account. If you're veg, that's fine. If not, that's fine too. I love sharing the importance of adding in more fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains into your daily food regimen and we usually start by adding some of these in (instead of focusing on restricting and removing things... unless something is really aggravating you). Most of us don't get the recommended intakes for these foods! And these are the foods that have been shown time and time again to lead to better overall health, longevity, improved insulin sensitivity, satiety, and better PMS and periods __ Something to reflect (and act!) on as you chow down on your Halloween candy __ #fruitsandveggies #antioxidants #wholefoodplantbased #pcos #womenshormones #veganpcos #veganpcoswarrior #vegannutrition #plantbasednutrition #veganthyroid #vegancysters #pmsproblems #pcosproblems #pcoscysters #cysterhood #vegansofaurora #vegannaturopath #annehussain #pcosnaturopath #hormonedoctor #auroranaturopath #eattherainbow #plantbasednaturopath See more

Happy weekend, friends! I've got a full weekend off (woohoo!) and I'm planning on: - lying around a bunch - going for walks - making butternut squash soup + chocolate cake for my mama's bday dinner - hanging out with ma familia and our houseguest puppy Frankie... - reading, watching some stuff, cleaning a bit, getting clothes out of the dryer and into the closet - whatever else __ What are you doing this weekend? Anyone else here take forever to get the laundry out of the dryer? __ #tgif #weekendvibes #restandrecover #donothing #selfcare #selflove #selfcompassion #selfacceptance #mentalhealth #destress #familytime #getoutside @urbanminerals See more

Wondering what can help with your PMS? __ Take a look at this stunning platter I created under @thelivingplatter 's guidance (go follow her!). This platter pretty much has the components to help decrease PMS symptoms Veggies Berries... Carbs Plant-based protein Healthy fats Chocolate __ #chocolateislife #chocaholic #pmsing #pmsproblems #pcos #pmsnutrition #veganpms #hormones #pcoswarrior #pcosproblems #pcoscysters #cysterhood #vegancysters #auroranaturopath #pmsnutrition #plantbasedpcos #pmscravings #plantbasednutrition #periodtalk #vegannaturopath #annehussain See more

Rest = good for mind, body, soul, periods, focus, productivity, mood, energy, creativity, and more. __ This is me on the floor doing nothing (before I decided to take a picture ). I've been doing it since I was a kid - my mum would often find me on my soft, shaggy carpet after a tough day of school staring at the ceiling (or napping ). I've been doing way more of this in the last 6 months. It's restorative and I feel like more like myself afterwards even if it's only 2 mins.... __ Anyone else here do this - sit or lie down and simply do nothing? Let me know __ #restisproductive #restandrecover #destress #restorativenothing #sundayfunday #pcosnaturopath #auroranaturopath #annehussain #newmarketnaturopath #pcoswarrior #selfcare #selfcaresunday #recover #selfcompassion #mentalhealth See more

20-minute broccoli and potato soup recipe __ You asked for it, so here it is: - 2 heads broccoli (chopped) - 1 large potato (chopped) ... - 1 small onion - 2 celery ribs - handful of cilantro - 1/2 tsp whole black pepper - 1 tbsp nutritional yeast - Herbamare/salt to taste - Chili powder optional - Water or broth - optional: 1/4 cup coconut milk __ Steam broccoli. Boil potato, onion and celery until soft. Throw veggies and all other ingredients into blender. Adjust fluid volume according to these consistency you'd like. Voila! __ The coconut milk makes it creamy so you can add more if you'd like. I didn't use any and liked it a lot as is . Makes 2 meal-sized servings or 4 small appetizer servings. Might be a good addition to your premenstrual recipe ideas Let me know if you try this! __ #whatveganseat #vegansoup #broccoli #broccolisoup #plantfocused #plantbasedrecipe #veganrecipe #hormonehealth #vegannutrition #vegannaturopath #plantbasednutrition #greensoup #eatrealfood #dairyfreerecipe

Period problems? __ I've got a little something for you! __ Round 2 of Periodicity starts next week on Oct 21! 6 weeks of LIVE classes with moi - it combines science & cyclical wisdom (the best of both worlds) for a clear roadmap to peaceful periods and a deep understanding of what's in the way. We'll use the same pillars I used to transform my periods so you can live your life without the hormonal confusion ... __ Friends, if you're tired of the confusion and overwhelm that your periods and PMS bring, I invite you to join me on this transformative journey. __ Registration is open and spots are filling up! You can check out my Facebook LIVE on Monday at 7:30pm ET over in the Go With The Flow group. I'll also be chatting about some sweet bonuses I'm offering Here's the link for details and registration9: www.annehussain.com/periodicity __ #periodicity #menstrualhealth #periodliteracy #periodproblems #periodtalk #menstrualcycle #menstruation #pmsproblems #pmsing #pcosproblems #hormones #pcoswarrior #veganpms #annehussain #auroranaturopath See more

Friendly reminder: rest, recover, and recharge this weekend __ #restisproductive #naturecure #naturecures #getoutside #selfcare #selfsoothing #burnout #goldenrod #herbalmedicine #falltime #grounding #mentalhealth #autumnvibes #weekend

#waveoflight Love & light to all those carrying their beloved ones in their thoughts and hearts __ #pregnancyandinfantlossawarenessday #pail #pailawarenessday #love #light #life

Resistance is futile... In fact, resistance to your natural hormonal rhythms may actually lead to worse periods and PMS. __ As someone who menstruates, your hormones fluctuate over the span of your cycle. Yet, you may not be accounting for how these hormonal changes affect your energy, digestion, mood, recovery, productivity, workouts, and more. Some days, things are probably easy, while on other days, those same things are like pushing 5 boulders up a mountain. It's not you... (well, maybe it is - I don't know ). It's that we've grown up in the capitalistic and patriarchal scheduling system that doesn't take into account our hormonal fluctuations. __ It's time to reclaim your time and schedule your life in a way that honours your hormones. __ This masterclass is for you if you're ready for a change. We'll talk about how to tap into your cyclical changes like: - how our lifestyles of perpetual productivity are worsening our moods, libido, periods, and PMS - cyclical self-care - how to boost your capacity to work and be creative - how to optimise your foods and movement - how to lean into your hormonal shifts for a fuller life __ It's happening LIVE this Thursday, Oct 15 at 7:30pm ET. It'll be approx 30mins of your time. Did I mention it's free?! Sign up link: www.annehussain.com/menstrualmasterclass Tag a friend who needs to hear this See more

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." - Anne Shirley __ Anyone else here an Anne of Green Gables fan? __ #october #autumnvibes #fallhikes #fallcolours #letitgo #selfcare #nature #naturecures #naturecure #forestbathing #shinrinyoku #silentlakeprovincialpark #falltime #exploreontario #anneshirley #anneofgreengables #tbt

Self-care Self-compassion (and less irritability, less PMS, increased capacity to give, better mood etc.). Rest & Recovery Resilience __ You've got to take care of you to show up for yourself, your dreams, your goals, your life, and your loved ones. I know I need this reminder always. And this is the reminder I've been sharing with patients who have been coming in saying they're tired and irritable and not feeling like themselves. There's A LOT going on in and around ou...r lives. Rest, recovery, and self-care are super important. __ So, I'm bringing back my 7- Day Self-care Challenge. It's free, it starts Oct 6, it's easy, and I'll be there doing it along with you! Link's in my bio to join. Tag a friend in need of recovery and self-care time __ #selfcare #selfadvocacy #selflove #selfcompassion #tgif #weekendvibes #resilience #womxnshealth #stress #dontburnout #mentalhealth #destress #restandrecover #hormonehealth #periodtracking #periodtalk #realtalk #menstrualhealth #auroranaturopath See more

"Every leaf speak bliss to me, fluttering form the autumn tree." - Emily Bronte __ I LOVE this time of year (you'll hear this again when the snow arrives ) - blues skies, crisp air, crunchy leaves, flaming red trees __ What do you love about autumn? (And do you say autumn or fall? I go back and forth!) ... __ #autumnvibes #fallcolours #letitgo #naturecure #naturecures #forestbathing #shinrinyoku #getoutside #vitaminN #sunshine #mentalhealth #restandrecover #womxnshealth #mentalstress #womenshealthmatters See more