The Period Literacy Handbookby Dr. Anne Hussain, ND
NEW: Now available as an audiobook on Audible!Everything you need to know about your menstrual cycles, period
Dr. Anne Hussain is a naturopathic doctor, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and the author of "The Period Literacy Handbook." Her own PCOS and lack of menstrual education growing up in Pakistan fuels her passion to empower and support women from their first period to beyond menopause. At the heart of it all, she believes that learning about your body and having agency over your health is not only an act of care for yourself, but also for each other and the world we share.
Read Dr. Anne's full bio →About This Book
The Period Literacy Handbook is your comprehensive guide to understanding menstrual health and hormonal wellness. This evidence-based resource combines medical knowledge with practical, holistic approaches to help you navigate your menstrual cycle with confidence and take control of your hormonal health.
Key Topics Covered:
- Understanding the four phases of your menstrual cycle
- Hormonal health and natural support strategies
- Managing PMS, period pain, and irregular cycles
- Nutrition and lifestyle for optimal menstrual health
- When to seek professional help
Who This Book Is For:
- Women experiencing menstrual irregularities or discomfort
- Anyone wanting to understand their cycle better
- Those seeking natural approaches to hormonal health
- Parents wanting to educate their children about periods
- Healthcare providers looking for patient resources
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What Readers Are Saying
- ★★★★★The Period Literacy Handbook is a must-read for anyone with periods. It covers so much great info on the menstrual cycle and hormones. I really related to the parts about our public healthcare system in Ontario and how money and greed drive which policies are put in place and which people we care about. Anne adds personal touches when she shares her personal experiences as a patient and as a naturopathic doctor. There's lots of practical advice on what to do, what not to do, and how to talk to your doctor. It’s quite an informative read and it made me think a lot about health in general. If you're on the fence, go for it - it's worth the read.- A.N.
- ★★★★★As a mother of teenage daughters, this book has been invaluable. It's helping our whole family have better conversations about periods.- R.S.
- ★★★★★What an amazing book! I love how easy it is to read and Anne explains complex scientific processes in such a fun way. A must have for everyone!!- V.P.
- ★★★★★This is an evidence-backed must read for anyone looking to clear up common questions about their menstrual cycle! If you’ve ever wondered “is this normal” regarding your menstrual related symptoms, look no further. Dr. Hussain creates a smooth, natural flow in her writing that makes it both clear and engaging!- C.B.
- ★★★★★This book is incredible, as a practitioner I found a lot of great insight throughout which not only helped to add to my understanding but also included a lot of tips which were easy to share on to patients. Dr. Anne provides a wonderful resource I wish was around throughout my earlier years where these topics were not talked about enough! I highly recommend this book for all women, as all women know at least one person in their life in which can benefit from this information :)- F.A.
- ★★★★★I don’t usually read books like this, I mean books on health and medicine. But one of my best friends has struggled with really bad periods for years, and I wanted to understand what she was going through. I figured I’d skim through it and maybe find a few helpful things, but honestly, I ended up reading way more than I expected. The Period Literacy Handbook is actually super interesting and easy to follow, even for someone like me who had no clue how complex women's health really is. The author explains everything in a way that makes sense, even the more science-heavy stuff. She covers the basics, like what actually happens during a cycle, what’s normal vs. not normal, and how things like stress, diet, and hormones can throw everything off. There’s also a lot of practical advice about tracking cycles, dealing with period pain, and even how to talk to doctors about it (which my friend has told me can be really frustrating). As someone who doesn’t experience periods, I found this book incredibly informative and easy to follow.- E.C.
- ★★★★★I found this book very informative as I learned so much about our female anatomy which we hardly learn about in school nor do we talk about it much with doctors to understand our bodies better. I now understand more of why I went through such painful periods as I had adenomyosis and endometriosis. I can also explain things better to my daughter before she will start hers in a couple of years. I think it is very important to know what is happening in our bodies and also why it is happening. The way the author speaks to you is like a fun friend who can explain it in an easy to follow manner. There are parts where humor is added which also makes for a serious subject to be more enjoyable to understand and read about. I appreciate the author putting out a book about a topic I felt was taboo growing up. I had not idea what a period was at the age of 10. It sounds like she came from a similar type of background so it was very relatable. I will make sure my little girl understands it and feels comfortable about this natural part of being a woman. If you are looking for a better understanding of your female body and what it does every month, this is a great read!- H.K.
- ★★★★★"The Period Literacy Handbook" was a fantastic read and a book I wish I had as a teenager full of questions about my changing body! It is well-written and easy for non-medical professionals to follow. Dr. Hussain's personal perspectives made the issues feel more relatable. I appreciated that she addressed issues like gaslighting, as visiting doctors for period-related concerns can be challenging. This information supports better discussions with doctors. Another highlight for me was the chapter on period products. I had never thought about researching this topic, and I had no idea there was so much information behind them. If only that had been taught in school! The author could have ended the book after the medical topics, but she went above and beyond by including chapters on wellbeing, highlighting how periods are influenced by various factors. This additional content truly emphasizes the holistic impact of menstrual cycles on overall health. Overall, this book offers an honest, comprehensive overview of menstrual cycles and the intricacies of the female body. It's an informative and empowering read that provides valuable insights and support for readers navigating their own experiences.- S.M.
- ★★★★★The Period Literacy Handbook by Dr. Anne Hussain is like having a candid conversation with a knowledgeable friend who just happens to be an expert on menstrual health. Dr. Hussain breaks down everything you’ve probably wondered about your period—what’s normal, what’s not, and how to get in sync with your hormonal cycle in a way that feels manageable and relatable. What I love about this book is how it makes something that often feels overwhelming or confusing really easy to understand. Dr. Hussain answers all the big questions, like whether you should get your hormones tested, if certain foods can improve your period, and how to talk to your doctor about any concerns you might have. It's not just about the science behind your cycle—it’s about living in a way that works with your body, not against it.- K.C.
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