Professor Joyce Harper
My Blog – Global Women Connected
Your Joyful Years: Empowering good health and happiness beyond 50
News flash - the book made it to an Amazon Bestseller on the day of release! I really do believe that beyond age 50 can be the very best time of our lives. And I have met many people who agree with me. It is time to rewrite the narrative about ageing. We’ve been led...
The Big Swim: why women swim
What are you doing for International Women’s Day? One thing I will be doing is heading down to Brighton to meet up with some amazing women. We will be talking about our books and research on cold water swimming in a meet the author event and then taking part in The...
InTune: Be prepared for menopause and Be supported through menopause.
For many years I have been studying what women understand about menopause and what support they need. Over the last two years, I have been working with a team at University College London to explore how best to provide this education and support. The team includes Dr...
Riot Women – a missed opportunity?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who was excited to watch Riot Women, the new drama from Sally Wainwright. Advertised as a story that “follows a group of middle-aged women as they form a punk-rock band to participate in a talent contest,” it sounded great to me —...
My name is Joyce and I’m a sugar addict
I’ve battled sugar addiction my whole life. I don’t drink much alcohol, I’ve never had a cup of coffee, and I’ve only ever smoked a few cigarettes. But sugar has always been my weakness. I’ve known for years how harmful processed sugar is, especially with diabetes on...
Why orgasms are good for our health
When was the last time you had an orgasm? Too many people tell me they’ve lost interest in sex and pleasure, so I hope this piece encourages you to rediscover it. I recently had to explain sex to Philomena Cunk for her programme Cunk on Life — her reply was “I hope...
Cold water swimming and women’s health: what’s all the fuss about?
You may have noticed that I love cold water swimming. You are either with me, or you think I’m insane. Two question I get asked all the time are what is the temperature of the water to which my reply is f***ing cold, and why do you do it? There are many reasons why I...
Treat yourself to a retreat
Make 2025 the year you prioritize self-care and treat yourself to a rejuvenating retreat. I’m hosting several exciting events to help you focus on your well-being. These include a one-day retreat in Brighton called Hormones, Health, and Happiness, a week-long wild...
Manifesting your intentions for 2025
I have been making vision boards every January for the past seven years, and I firmly believe they have had a profoundly positive impact on my life. A vision board is a powerful tool that uses images and words to represent our intentions, goals, visions and desires...
Will Dry January be calling after festive indulgence?
The Christmas holiday season is often a time when our relationship with alcohol becomes less mindful. With parties and celebrations, it's no surprise that Dry January appeals to so many as a way to reset. But does it have to be this way? What if this holiday period...
The toxic food industry – the truth about ultra processed food
Everyone is talking about ultra processed food. What’s all the fuss about? In 2016, before the widespread discussion about ultra-processed food (UPF) began, a documentary called Embrace was released. In this powerful film, Taryn Brumfitt explores the global issue of...
Why I want some days of silence
I understand the value of how stillness and silence is good for our health. And not talking. Our brains and body need downtime for rest and clarity and a break from our often chaotic lives. Many of us do not spend enough time on our self-care. I have interviewed over...
Don’t make exercise your new years resolution – start now
How many of us have made new years resolutions around our lifestyle which usually last a few weeks, then fail? If joining the gym or starting a new exercise regime is on your mind for January, why not start it now? Added to this - the nights draw in during Autumn and...
InTune: the UK menopause education and support programme
It’s time to educate women on all aspects of menopause and give them the support they need with the the UK menopause education and support programme. I have surveyed over 6,000 women about their views on perimenopause and menopause. Very few reported feeling fully...
How is your relationship with sugar?
I am a sugar addict. It has been almost 2 months since I last ate processed sugar. I’ve cut out chocolate, sweets, cakes, ice cream, biscuits, and pastries. The only exceptions I’ve made are for homemade sourdough bread (which I bake myself) and the occasional glass...
When the kids fly the nest, you can fly too!
with Katya Addler, Stephanie Hegarty & Professor Joyce Harper. The BBC’s Global Story offers a panoramic view into the diverse and compelling narratives shaping our world today. It aims to connect audiences with the human experiences and significant events across the globe, through in-depth storytelling and analysis. For more detailed information, you can visit the BBC’s official website.
Menopause education experts event at the House of Commons
Yesterday, an influential gathering was hosted by Carolyn Harris MP and University College London at the House of Commons to spotlight the urgent need for comprehensive menopause education and support in the UK. This event, co-hosted by Carolyn and Professor Dame...
Period pads on a roll – a brilliant idea
I’ve been on the look out for health tech that I would support. And I’ve found it. Pads on a roll by Egal. It was such a pleasure to meet CEO Penelope Finnie and Head of UK market Niamh D’Arcy, who’s been trying to talk to me about this product for ages. We’ve done...
BBC Sounds – The Global Story
with Katya Addler, Stephanie Hegarty & Professor Joyce Harper. The BBC’s Global Story offers a panoramic view into the diverse and compelling narratives shaping our world today. It aims to connect audiences with the human experiences and significant events across the globe, through in-depth storytelling and analysis. For more detailed information, you can visit the BBC’s official website.
Sensemaker – When egg freezing goes wrong.
with Katya Addler, Stephanie Hegarty & Professor Joyce Harper. The BBC’s Global Story offers a panoramic view into the diverse and compelling narratives shaping our world today. It aims to connect audiences with the human experiences and significant events across the globe, through in-depth storytelling and analysis. For more detailed information, you can visit the BBC’s official website.
What makes you happy?
What makes you happy? I have asked a lot of people this question as I am researching this for my next book, which is currently called Good Health and Happiness. And it is a question I ask the guests on my podcast. Everyone says something different. I think we can all...
There is a long list of menopause controversies. Have I missed any off?
This week I have given a talk to my Masters students on the concepts and controversies module. My talk was about menopause. It was straightforward to explain the concepts: what the menopause is, symptoms, diagnosis, treatments. But the more I thought about it, my list...
What should school sex and reproductive health education cover?
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) agree that sex education is a necessary component of education. But globally most countries teach limited information on sex and reproductive...
Why aren’t we looking after women’s health?
On the day the government announced that they had rejected some of the key recommendations of the Women and Equalities Committee’s report on menopause and the workplace, I attended the Hologic “Putting women at the heart of health care design and delivery” event to...
At 60, I want to inspire women to live their best lives
Today is my 60th birthday and I wanted to write this blog to try and inspire women to think about their lives and what they could do to make it their best life ever. Some people hate the saying 'we can have it all'. I think maybe we can, but probably not all at the...
Understanding the menopause symptoms
In this blog I am are going to explain what the menopause is and the symptoms. We will not discuss treatments which will be covered elsewhere. What is the menopause? The menopause has three stages: perimenopause; menopause; and post menopause. Perimenopause is the...
Should ALL women take HRT?
My view on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is that it is a very valuable treatment for some women going through the perimenopause but I do not believe that all women need it. In this blog I will explain why and if you are on Instagram, you can watch the Instagram...
Writing ‘Your Fertile Years’
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Global Women Connected
Global Women Connected is a website dedicated to empowering and connecting women from all corners of the globe. Our mission is to provide a platform for women to share their experiences, stories, and insights, and to foster a sense of community and support among women...
Joyce Harper – My Publications
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Joyce Harper – Talks & Workshops
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Menopause and exercise
Balancing our 4 pillars of wellbeing (nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health) are important at all stages of our lives, but for peri and postmenopausal women - it becomes even more important. Women will benefit from having an active exercise regime, optimum...
What is the purpose and meaning of your life?
This week in my positive psychology course we have been looking at the meaning of our life, our sense of purpose, what gets us out of bed every day? What gives your life meaning? It may be contributing or working on something important – it may be work, society, a...
We need to teach everyone about the menopause
We need your help. I am want to ask everyone what they think and know about the menopause so we can improve menopause education. We have just launched a survey for women aged 40 and under to ask them about the menopause and we really need as many women as possible to...
UK Governments Women’s Health Strategy
We have great news from the UK government. They are preparing to launch the first women’s health strategy in 2022. In March 2021 they launched a call for evidence to ask the public and individuals/professional organisations who work in women’s health for their views...
What does the future hold for reproduction?
I think it is highly likely that the reproductive years will look very different in the future. In chapter 12 of Your Fertile Years, I talk about the future of reproduction. Eggs Let’s start with the egg. In my book I have explained that the egg is the main rate...
The menopause is not far away
I think being post menopause is a wonderful thing. No more periods, no more premenstrual syndrome (PMS), no more mood swings, no more contraception. But since we do not teach women about the menopause, I feel that some fear it, get anxious about it and do not...
Debunking the myths of fertility treatment
In Chapter 10 of Your Fertile Years, I will debunk the myths of fertility treatment. Many women think that assisted conception, such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) will enable them to become pregnant if they fail naturally. But fertility treatment is expensive and...
What Causes Infertility and How We Test for it
In chapter 9 of my latest book, Your Fertile Years, I will explain the different causes of infertility and how we test for it. In this blog I will briefly cover some of the main things covered in this chapter. If a couple have been trying to become pregnant for one...
Is egg freezing the answer to age-related fertility decline?
Chapter 8 of my book is about egg freezing. The method of freezing eggs has really improved over the last 15 years. By freezing eggs when she is in her 20s or 30s, a woman can, in theory, extend her fertility. So, is egg freezing the answer to reduce the effects of...
What you should know about pregnancy and childbirth
Chapter 7 of my book is about pregnancy. Pregnancy and childbirth are topics that are rarely taught in school or discussed in public. It is really important to teach this subject because there are certain lifestyle choices that will help us through pregnancy and...
How Can Sexually Transmitted Infections Affect Fertility?
Unfortunately, along with sex comes the risk of catching a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You get an STI by having vaginal, oral or anal sex with a person who has an infection. Four STIs are curable, including: trichomoniasis; chlamydia; gonorrhoea; and...
If You Do Not Want to Become Pregnant, How Do You Prevent It?
Chapter 5 of Your Fertile Years is about contraception. It is recommended that everyone who is sexually active should use contraception if they want to avoid a pregnancy. There are currently sixteen methods of contraception; two specifically for men (male condom and...
Everything you should know about sex
Globally, sex is a taboo subject. I strongly feel that we should be more open about sex; how we do it for fun; how we do it to have babies; what precautions we need to take when we want to avoid a pregnancy; and what we can do when things go wrong. In today’s society,...
Your Fertile Years; what you need to know to make informed choices
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #ChooseToChallenge #iwd2021 A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can choose to challenge and call out gender bias and...
Race and reproduction
Race & Reproduction Monday 8th March 2021, 1300-1415 This event brought together four amazing women from minority backgrounds to discuss baby loss, infertility, female genital mutilation, periods, pain and pelvic floor. The panellists for the event were Le'Nise...
Picture a scientist film screening
At the Institute for Women’s Health at University College London we are hosting four, free, online events in March 2021 to celebrate International Women’s Day Tuesday 9th March, 8-10pm, Free online event as part of the Institute for Women’s Health, International...
Women open water swimming
Monday 8th March, 8pm: Women open water swimming. Hosted by the Institute for Women’s Health for International Women’s Day. A growing number of women are turning to open water swimming to enjoy a vibrant community, getting back to nature and the health benefits. We...
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