Why Didn't Anyone Tell Me This?

Joyce Harper
  • 4.0 (1)
  • Education

Season 4 Joyce Harper is Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, author, public speaker, scientist and host of the podcast Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Together with expert guests and people with lived experience, this podcast offers practical tools to help you build a life of good health and happiness. www.joyceharper.com Instagram, TikTok: @profjoyceharper Facebook: Global Women Connected. The podcast features the personal views and experiences of the host and contributors. These views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their employer or any organisation they are associated with.

  1. Oct 28

    S4, #26: Fiona Clark: MenoWars: Why menopause’s moment has gone horribly wrong, and how you can navigate your way through it

    Why menopause’s moment has gone horribly wrong, and how you can navigate your way through it Fiona Clark is an award-winning journalist, writer and passionate women's health advocate. She is the author of MenoWars. Driven by frustration due to the lack of research into women's health around menopause, she founded the Menopause Research and Education Fund, a charity which aims to support research into menopause related issues as well as providing evidence-based education and information for all those who go through menopause or support them. Fiona started her career at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation back in the 1980's working in TV news and quickly moved into investigative reporting, becoming the supervising producer of its flagship current affairs program, Lateline (similar to Newsnight). With majors in anatomy and physiology, she returned to her first love, health, in the early 2000's moving into medical publishing. She has worked at in various editorial roles in both print and online B2B and B2C publications and has written for prestigious publications including The Lancet. She continues to write for various medical education sites. https://mref.uk/ @mre_fund https://www.youtube.com/@MenopauseResearchEducationFund  In this episode, Fiona shares her own menopause journey and explains why she wrote MenoWars. We discuss the growing challenge of menopause misinformation, the importance of understanding scientific evidence, and why social media can make it difficult to separate fact from opinion. We explore menopause testing, supplements and HRT, including why symptoms should be considered alongside overall health and why ruling out other medical conditions is so important.  Fiona also shares her concerns about the commercialisation of menopause and the rise of unsupported health claims. A theme running throughout our conversation is the importance of lifestyle, particularly exercise, nutrition and bone health. We also discuss the urgent need for more research, better education for healthcare professionals, and the work of the Menopause Research and Education Fund. Finally, Fiona reflects on life postmenopause and why these years can be a positive, fulfilling and empowering time of life. Date of episode recording: 2026-09-24Language of episode: EnglishPresenter: Professor Joyce HarperGuest: Fiona ClarkProducer: Joyce Harper

  2. Oct 21

    S4, #25: The Truth about HRT: Four Experts. Four Perspectives. What Does the Evidence Really Tell Us?

    The Truth about HRT: Four Experts. Four Perspectives. What Does the Evidence Really Tell Us? Professor Susan Davis, Professor Annice Mukherjee, Professor Aimee Spector and Dr Juliet Balfour. For this World Menopause Day special, I am doing something a little different. HRT has become one of the most talked-about topics in women's health, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood. Social media, headlines and personal stories can make it difficult to separate evidence from opinion, leaving many women confused about the benefits, risks and limitations of treatment. I've invited four internationally recognised menopause experts to discuss four areas where women need clearer, evidence-based information about hormone therapy; 1/ Dr Juliet Balfour explores what we know, and don't know, about the benefits and risks of HRT. Dr Juliet Balfour is an experienced NHS GP with a longstanding interest in women's health. She is a British Menopause Society registered menopause specialist with the Advanced Certificate in Menopause Care and a member of the BMS Medical Advisory Council. She is the Lead for the Somerset NHS Menopause Service and director of Wells Menopause Clinic, a private online clinic. 2/Susan Davis examines the evidence for testosterone, including who may benefit and who may not. Susan Davis is a Monash University Vice- Chancellor’s Distinguished Professor and an Australian National Health and Medical Research Council L3 Investigator. She is Head of the Women’s Health Research Program, and Head of the Women’s Endocrine Clinic, the Alfred Hospital Melbourne. She has published over 500 scientific papers and is considered one of the world leaders in research into oestrogens and androgens in women. She has written two books.3/ Annice Mukherjee discusses menopause management after breast cancer and how women can navigate treatment decisions in this complex area.Professor Annice Mukherjee is an NHS hospital physician and endocrinologist with a medical career spanning nearly 30 years. She specialises in general medicine and endocrinology with a career long interest in complex medical illness, quality of life in endocrine disease, hormone problems in cancer survivors, including early menopause and other complex menopause issues as well as managing complex fatigue. She has supported thousands of women going through menopause to help them manage symptoms and improve their quality of life and overall health safely. She is the author of the book The Complete Guide to the Menopause. 4/Aimee Spector updates on the latest evidence of whether HRT can reduce the risk of dementia. Professor Aimee Spector is Professor of Clinical Psychology of Ageing and Director of the University College London International Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) centre and ‘Menopause Mind Lab’. Her expertise lies in the global development and evaluation of complex interventions for ageing. She was recently commissioned by the World Health Organisation to support their guidelines around Menopause Hormone Therapy and dementia risk.

  3. Oct 14

    S4, #24: Ionica Adriana: Adoption week special – From one world to another: the untold side of adoption

    Ionica Adriana is an actress, presenter, broadcaster and speaker. Born in Romania in the late 1980s, she spent the first two and a half years of her life in a Romanian orphanage before being adopted by a British family and moving to Yorkshire. She has since built a successful career in television, radio and theatre, appearing in productions including The Syndicate, Coronation Street and Smoggie Queens. She has also presented for BBC Radio York, BBC Politics North and Countryfile Live. In recent years, Ionica has spoken openly about her adoption journey, including searching for and finding her birth mother, and has explored the legacy of Romania's orphanage system through documentary work such as Ceausescu's Children. Instagram: @ionica_offical_  For this special Adoption Week episode, Ionica talks about her adoption journey, from spending her early childhood in a Romanian orphanage to being adopted by a loving family in Yorkshire. Ionica describes the emotional experience of reconnecting with her birth mother and sisters as an adult, reflecting on identity, belonging and the importance of honesty in adoption. She also discusses the realities of Romania’s orphanage system, challenges common misconceptions about adoption, and highlights the life-changing difference adoption can make for children in need. Throughout the conversation, she celebrates the families who adopt, encourages openness around adoption stories, and shares her belief that compassion, connection and love can help shape a brighter future for everyone involved. Date of episode recording: 2026-10-01Language of episode: EnglishPresenter: Professor Joyce HarperGuest: Ionica AdrianaProducer: Joyce Harper

  4. Sep 30

    S4, #23: Dr Stacey Bryan: Understanding vulval and vaginal cancers

    Dr Stacey Bryan (BSc MBBS MRCOG MD) is a consultant gynaecologist and gynaecological cancer surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, where she completed her subspecialty training in gynaecological cancers. She obtained her undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Science and Medicine, at St George’s University of London in 2008, and membership to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 2015. She has undertaken research into HPV and early detection of cervical cancers and was awarded a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Institute of Women’s Health at University College London (UCL) in 2022.  Her work has led to publications and presentations at both national and international conferences. Staceys practice focuses on the diagnosis and management of gynaecological issues including cancer and non-cancer. She specialises in complex benign and cancer surgery, colposcopy and acute diagnostic services, vulval/vaginal cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, rapid diagnostics, pre-invasive cervical and vulval disease. As such she is able to offer a one stop service including gynaecological ultrasound scanning. She is the lead for Vulval Cancers at Imperial College London. https://eveappeal.org.uk/   In this episode Joyce speaks with consultant gynaecological cancer surgeon Dr Stacey Bryan about two of the least talked about gynaecological cancers: vulval and vaginal cancer. Together they discuss the symptoms to look out for, including persistent itching, soreness, skin changes, bleeding and unusual discharge, as well as who is most at risk and the treatment options available. One of the most important messages from this conversation is the need to know what is normal for your body.  Stacey encourages women to check their vulva every month, be aware of any changes, and seek medical advice if they notice anything unusual. Although vulval and vaginal cancers are rare, early diagnosis can make a significant difference to outcomes. The episode also explores the links with HPV, the impact of treatment on quality of life and intimacy, and why partners can play an important role in recognising changes. This is the final episode in the gynaecological cancer mini-series and is packed with practical, potentially life-saving information that every woman should hear. Date of episode recording: 2026-09-17Language of episode: EnglishPresenter:Professor Joyce HarperGuests: Dr Stacey BryanProducer: Joyce Harper

  5. Sep 23

    S4, #22: Professor Adam Rosenthal: Ovarian cancer: what women need to know

    Prof. Adam Rosenthal qualified from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School (now Imperial College), London, in 1992 and undertook general Obstetrics and Gynaecology training, working at various hospitals, including St. Mary's, Queen Charlotte's, the Hammersmith, and Chelsea and Westminster. He is now a Consultant Gynaecologist at UCLH, where he leads the Colposcopy and Familial Gynaecological Cancer services. He is also Professor of Gynaecological Cancer Prevention at University College London (UCL). His clinical interests are laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, colposcopy, gynaecological cancer screening, HPV-related pre-cancers of the cervix, vagina and vulval and inherited gynaecological cancers. He has published extensively on gynaecological cancer screening and prevention in journals including the Lancet and the British Medical Journal. He has sat on the UK Cancer Genetics Group Steering Committee, and the NICE Familial Ovarian Cancer Guideline Committee. He is a Trustee and medical advisor to the Eve Appeal; the UK's foremost gynaecological Cancer charity. He features regularly in media stories about inherited gynaecological cancer and has appeared on Sky News, Chanel 4 News, Channel 5 News, BBC London, ITV London, and Radio 4 Today amongst others. https://eveappeal.org.uk/  In this episode Professor Adam Rosenthal explains why ovarian cancer can be so difficult to detect, how our understanding of the disease has changed over recent decades, and why many ovarian cancers are now thought to start in the fallopian tubes rather than the ovaries. We discuss the key symptoms, including persistent bloating, feeling full quickly, pelvic pain and changes in bowel or bladder habits, and why it is so important for women to know what is normal for their own bodies and seek medical advice when something feels different.  We also explore risk factors, including age, family history and inherited genes, as well as the challenges researchers face in developing an effective screening test. Adam talks us through current diagnostic tests and treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy and newer targeted therapies, while highlighting the importance of personalised cancer care. He also tackles common myths, including the misconception that only your mother’s side of the family matters when assessing inherited cancer risk, and explains why a normal cervical screening result does not rule out ovarian cancer.  This episode is full of practical, evidence-based information about ovarian cancer awareness, prevention and early detection, along with an important reminder that persistent symptoms should never be ignored.   Date of episode recording: 2026-09-15 Language of episode: English Presenter:Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Professor Adam Rosenthal Producer: Joyce Harper

  6. Sep 16

    Season 4, #21: Professor Adeola Olaitan: Get bleeding checked: what every woman should know about womb cancer

    Adeola Olaitan was appointed as Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist at the University College London Hospital, the gynaecological cancer centre for the North London Cancer Network, in January 2002. She discontinued NHS Clinical work in August 2022 but retained her UCL contract and she was awarded an honorary chair in January 2026. She obtained her Medical Degree from the University College Hospital London where she was distinguished with a certificate of merit in surgery. As part of her training in obstetrics and gynaecology, Prof Olaitan worked in many of London's leading Hospitals. She underwent sub specialty training in gynaecological oncology at St Michael's Hospital, Bristol. She is an accredited minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic surgeon and offers women the minimally invasive approach where appropriate. She is also accredited in colposcopy. https://eveappeal.org.uk/ Womb cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer, and rates are rising. In this episode, Professor Joyce Harper speaks with consultant gynaecological oncologist Professor Adeola Olaitan about the symptoms every woman should know, why early diagnosis is so important, and what can be done to reduce the risk of developing womb cancer. Adeola explains why bleeding postmenopause should never be ignored, discusses heavy bleeding during the perimenopause, and outlines the key risk factors for womb cancer, including obesity, PMOS, Lynch syndrome and tamoxifen use. She also explains why women who have a womb and take HRT need progesterone to protect the lining of the womb. Joyce and Adeola also discuss the importance of lifestyle factors such as healthy eating, exercise and weight management, not only for reducing cancer risk but for improving overall health and wellbeing.   They also tackle the rise of misinformation on social media, including dangerous claims about alternative cancer treatments, and highlight the importance of seeking evidence-based information from trusted organisations such as The Eve Appeal.  This episode contains an empowering message for all women: know the symptoms, trust the evidence, and never be afraid to ask for further investigation if something doesn't feel right. Most importantly, don't ignore unusual bleeding. Early diagnosis can save lives.  Date of episode recording: 2026-09-01 Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Professor Adeola Olaitan Producer: Joyce Harper

  7. Sep 9

    Season 4, #20: Dr Thomas Ind: Cervical cancer: screening, HPV and prevention

    Dr Thomas Ind is a Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist, one of the UK's most senior gynaecological oncology surgeons, and currently President of the British Gynaecological Cancer Society. He has spent many years specialising in cervical cancer and was involved in the development and introduction of fertility-preserving surgery for women with early-stage cervical cancer. https://eveappeal.org.uk/  In this episode, Joyce and Tom discuss cervical cancer, HPV and why cervical screening remains one of the greatest success stories in cancer prevention. Tom explains what cervical cancer is, how HPV causes the vast majority of cases, why HPV vaccination has been so effective, and why attending regular smear tests is still essential, even if you have been vaccinated. They also discuss the symptoms of cervical cancer, risk factors, and how treatment has evolved to become more effective and, in some cases, fertility-preserving.  The conversation also tackles common myths surrounding HPV and vaccination, explores exciting developments in self-testing, and highlights how increasing uptake of vaccination and screening could make cervical cancer increasingly rare.   Date of episode recording: 2026-02-11 Language of episode: English Presenter: Professor Joyce Harper Guests: Dr Thomas Ind Producer: Joyce Harper

  8. Sep 2

    Season 4, #19: Sanju Pal: Turning Pain into Change: The Endometriosis Campaign That Made Legal History

    Sanju is a passionate Endo Warrior whose life's work is underpinned by social justice. She is founder of the education charity RISE (Rural India School Enterprise) which she managed whilst working full time as a management consultant at Accenture for a decade. This led to her winning the UK Asian Women of Achievement Award and being profiled in ‘Inspirational Women in Business’ by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Her Late Majesty the Queen recognised Sanju alongside global changemakers at the ‘Youth, Education and the Commonwealth’ reception at Buckingham Palace. Sanju has been invited to 10 Downing Street and received the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award. Her life changed in 2018 when Accenture sacked her whilst she was recovering from surgery for endometriosis. Since then she has been fighting for justice.  On 19 January 2026, Sanju won a landmark high court case setting legal precedent for endometriosis to be considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 in the UK but Accenture have appealed. She campaigns for the fair treatment of women with gynaecological conditions in the workplace. Sanju is a member of the global Teach for All community, the diverse voices of which she promotes on her podcast ‘Something for the Soul’ to inspire anyone, at any age, to be a social innovator. She writes poetry and plays violin in the West London Sinfonia. https://www.rise-online.co.uk/ https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/761186 https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/accenture-disability-discrimination-endometriosis/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanju-pal-64b96166/ Instagram: @sanjusticeuk @sanjuthinks  This episode may be particularly valuable for anyone living with endometriosis, adenomyosis, PMOS, PMDD, fibroids, menopause-related symptoms or other gynaecological conditions, as well as employers, managers and HR professionals who want to create healthier and more inclusive workplaces. In this episode, Professor Joyce Harper speaks with Sanju Pal about the realities of living with endometriosis. They explore why so many women struggle to be heard when seeking healthcare support and the consequences of delayed diagnosis and misunderstanding.  The conversation also examines the relationship between women's health and employment, including the adjustments and support that can help people remain in work while managing chronic health conditions. Whether you are affected by endometriosis yourself, know someone who is, work in healthcare or are interested in improving workplace support for women's health, this is an important and thought-provoking discussion. And there are ways you can help – sign the petition, support the crowd funding, write to your MP and join the movement. Links above. Education of employers is also key as without understanding, how can you support women? We do not expect every line manager to understand women’s health but we do advocate for women’s health ambassadors in every company who can support women.

See All (104)

About

Season 4 Joyce Harper is Professor of Reproductive Science at the Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, author, public speaker, scientist and host of the podcast Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Together with expert guests and people with lived experience, this podcast offers practical tools to help you build a life of good health and happiness. www.joyceharper.com Instagram, TikTok: @profjoyceharper Facebook: Global Women Connected. The podcast features the personal views and experiences of the host and contributors. These views are their own and do not necessarily represent those of their employer or any organisation they are associated with.

Information

You Might Also Like