With Dr Gill Barham & Professor Joyce Harper
Joyce is Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women’s Health, University College London. She has been a leader in the field of fertility, genetics and reproductive health since 1987. As well as being an established scientist with over 200 scientific publications, Joyce is a passionate educator of the public and students at all levels, from school children to PhD level.
Joyce studied a BSc in Biochemistry, has a PhD in Pharmacology and started her career as a clinical embryologist at the London Fertility Centre. In 1992 she joined the much loved and respected “in vitro” pioneer Lord Robert Winston to work on preimplantation genetic diagnosis at the Hammersmith Hospital. She is the mother of three sons born through IVF and she shares her own journey with us.
Episode Description
In this episode, Professor Joyce Harper, Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women’s Health, shares her incredible journey and expert insights into fertility, genetics and reproductive health—a field she has led since 1987. With over 200 scientific publications to her name, Professor Joyce Harper is not only an established scientist but also a passionate educator who engages audiences ranging from school children to PhD candidates.
After earning a BSc in Biochemistry and a PhD in Pharmacology, Professor Joyce Harper began her career as a clinical embryologist at the London Fertility Centre. In 1992, she joined the renowned “in vitro” pioneer Lord Robert Winston at Hammersmith Hospital to work on preimplantation genetic diagnosis. As a mother of three sons born through IVF, she also opens up about her personal journey with infertility and the emotional impact it can have.
Key Takeaways
- Women are born with 1–2 million eggs, but by puberty, most have perished.
- The quantity and quality of eggs decline as we age—comparing eggs from a 28-year-old to those of a 38-year-old shows a marked difference.
- Data reveal that around 20% of post-reproductive age women in the UK are childless, with many circumstances beyond personal choice.
- Experiencing infertility can be traumatic, and that trauma often lingers.
- After the age of 35, the risks of miscarriage and infertility increase dramatically.
- Professor Joyce Harper advises against using blood tests as a sole indicator for fertility or menopause status.
- The conversation also touches on solo-motherhood and how emotional factors can cause couples to discontinue fertility treatments.
Best Moments
- Discovering why the early thirties are considered a crucial time for starting a family.
- Insight into how most miscarriages are linked to chromosomal abnormalities.
- A candid discussion on assigning responsibility for infertility and determining when to seek help.
- The emphasis on the importance of making an informed choice when it comes to reproductive health.
- A thought-provoking comment on how our ovaries haven’t quite kept pace with the advancements in feminism.
- A memorable moment where Professor Joyce Harper reveals, “I never wanted to be an IVF patient.”
- Powerful messages tailored especially for midlife women.
- A light-hearted glimpse into her past with the comment, “Joyce was a bit of a lad!”
About the Host
Dr Gill Barham is an internationally recognised author, speaker, speaker trainer, broadcast presenter, and elite Holistic Health Coach who advocates passionately for self-care. Her podcast, Radiant Menopause, is dedicated to debunking myths, informing, and educating women (and men) about the transition into midlife. Her mission is to empower women to make the most of their “wisdom” years.
Dr Gill Barham combines her experience from public speaking engagements, UK and international wellbeing events, and retreats to deliver transformational insights. She initially studied music for her first degree before qualifying as a Registered General Nurse in the UK, and for the past eight years, she has been delving into functional medicine. Her transformational work has earned her a Doctorate Honoris Causa from the Academy of Universal Global Peace, a Peace Award from the Universal Peace Federation, and membership in esteemed organisations such as WAoFP (Worldwide Association of Female Professionals) Europe and the Association of Transformational Leaders.
Her humanitarian efforts include running the domestic abuse awareness campaign SPOT THE SIGNS—an initiative that continues to make a difference during lockdown and beyond. She also hosts The Life You Deserve podcast, where she interviews experts and survivors to highlight ways of recognising and supporting potential victims of domestic violence.
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