Menopause and Motherhood (Part 1): With Professor Joyce Harper
Release Date: 06/17/2025
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IVF is no longer a whispered acronym—it's a mainstream fertility option that seems to be everywhere in 2025. But why is it suddenly so common? In this episode, we dig into the cultural, medical, and social shifts that have made IVF feel like a more common path to parenthood. We explore rising infertility rates, delayed family planning, improved technology, and the cultural shift of normalizing IVF treatment. Follow us on all social media platforms @fertiliteawithdrd Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola
info_outlineFertiliTEA with Dr. D
In this episode of FertiliTEA with Dr. D, we’re diving into IVF, surrogacy, and the power of community with special guest Richard Westoby; co-host of the IVF Daddies podcast and author of Our Journey: One Couple's Guide to U.S. Surrogacy. Richard shares his personal experience navigating international surrogacy and offers insight into the most common challenges intended parents face while building their families through IVF and surrogacy. We discuss: The emotional and logistical hurdles intended parents face How online communities and peer support networks provide connection across...
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In Part 2 of this episode, Dr. D continues speaking with Professor Joyce Harper about all things menopause. She is a Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London. She has an extensive background as an embryologist, a research scientist, and is especially known for her groundbreaking work in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). With over three decades in the field, Joyce has not only shaped academic programs but also spearheaded global efforts in reproductive health education. She is the co-founder of InTune: the UK Menopause Education and Support...
info_outlineFertiliTEA with Dr. D
This week, we have the honor of talking to Professor Joyce Harper about all things menopause. She is a Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London. She has an extensive background as an embryologist, a research scientist, and is especially known for her groundbreaking work in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). With over three decades in the field, Joyce has not only shaped academic programs but also spearheaded global efforts in reproductive health education. She is the co-founder of InTune: the UK Menopause Education and Support...
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Dr. D sits down with a two-time surrogate who shares her perspective on what it’s really like to be a surrogate. Having completed one surrogacy journey and currently in the middle of her second, Heather opens up about why she chose to become a surrogate, how each experience has been different, and the emotional and physical realities that often go unseen. If you've always wanted to become a surrogate but had some questions about the true journey of surrogacy, this episode is for you! More from Heather at The Connection Hive Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by...
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In this heartfelt episode, Dr. D sits down with Jen Rachman, a cancer survivor who opens up about her deeply personal journey to motherhood. Jen is the Manager of Intended Parent Support for Circle Surrogacy and has used her own personal story to assist many intended parents on their path to parenthood. Through the help of an egg donor and a surrogate, Jen found her path to parenthood after her cancer treatment. Jen Rachman's article in Elephants & Tea referenced in the episode is linked Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG Produced by Phoebe Gurrola ...
info_outlineThis week, we have the honor of talking to Professor Joyce Harper about all things menopause. She is a Professor of Reproductive Science at University College London. She has an extensive background as an embryologist, a research scientist, and is especially known for her groundbreaking work in preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD). With over three decades in the field, Joyce has not only shaped academic programs but also spearheaded global efforts in reproductive health education. She is the co-founder of InTune: the UK Menopause Education and Support Programme. She is the host of the podcast, Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? She also wrote the book, Your Fertile Years, which explores women’s health from puberty to menopause.
Listen in as her and Dr. D discuss what menopause is, how symptoms can be different for everyone, and why it's important for women of all age to have an understanding of menopause. This is Part 1 of a 2 part episode!
More from Professor Joyce Harper HERE
Hosted by Said Daneshmand, MD FACOG
Produced by Phoebe Gurrola