Welcome to this episode of The Fertility Podcast and joined by Betty Mukherjee, who you may know, if you're a fan of Channel 4's Race Across the World as she was in series 4 with her brother James and spoke about her condition MRKH (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser) and is now doing amazing advocacy work on the topic and sharing her own experiences as she finds out more regarding her family building options.

Betty opens up about receiving her MRKH diagnosis at 16, how it shattered the future she had imagined, and how sharing her story publicly on national TV changed her life. She reflects on the healing power of vulnerability, the support of her partner Dan, and the importance of balancing self-care, fitness, and mental wellbeing during fertility treatment.

What we talk about:

• The challenges of being a teenager diagnosed with MRKH
• Why conversations with siblings and friends were avoided for years
• The reality of egg freezing, hormone injections, and physical side effects
• The role of mental health support—both professional and personal
• Using YouTube and social media to share raw, vulnerable moments
• Finding comfort in everyday rituals, like lighting candles, cooking, and walking her dog, Maple

Betty’s story is one of resilience, advocacy, and hope—and a reminder that “shame dies when stories are shared in safe spaces.”

• Follow Betty on Instagram
• Watch Betty’s journey on YouTube
• Learn more about MRKH: MRKH Support Resources
• Previous podcast episodes with Julianne Boutileb (psychological advisor mentioned in this episode)
• Andria Trigo shares her story of life with MRKH
• Sign up for support groups and advocacy through Fertility Action
• Explore more about the Fertility Matters at Work initiative and tell your workplace about The F Word at Work Live

Hello and welcome back to The Fertility Podcast. I’m Natalie, your host, and if you’re new here, I went through fertility treatment over a decade ago. I have a 10-year-old son and a background in broadcasting, and I started this podcast before podcasting was even really a thing. Today, I’m proud to share that The Fertility Podcast is now the official podcast of Fertility Action, the UK’s new charity for fertility awareness and support.

In this episode, I’m joined by Ro Huntriss, an award-winning fertility dietitian and founder of Fertility Dietitian UK. If you're listening in real time, it's September, which means it’s PCOS Awareness Month, and that’s exactly what we’re focusing on today. Ro breaks down what PCOS is, how nutrition and lifestyle changes can make a real difference, and how to advocate for yourself, especially when you feel dismissed or misunderstood by healthcare professionals.

● Why conversations about fertility nutrition are finally becoming more mainstream

● What PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) actually means and how it shows up differently for everyone

● The emotional impact of being dismissed by your GP and how to push for answers

● How to identify insulin resistance and support your body through nutrition

● The truth about carbs – why reducing carbohydrate load and choosing low glycaemic index foods helps

● What a balanced, PCOS-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner can actually look like

● The role of resistance training, HIIT, sleep, and stress in PCOS management

● Understanding supplements like inositol and when they might help

● How to advocate for yourself with your GP using NHS resources and tracking symptoms

● Misconceptions about fertility and PCOS – and why hope and progress are still possible

● Managing the mental load of trying to conceive while navigating PCOS

● Why support, education, and specialist care can change the journey completely

• Follow Ro on Instagram for practical fertility nutrition advice: @fertility.dietitian.uk
• Learn more about PCOS at NHS Choices and Fertility Nutrition Centre
• Revisit our previous episodes with Ro and with PCOS specialist Kate Davies
• Sign up for support groups and advocacy through Fertility Action
• Explore more about the Fertility Matters at Work initiative and join us for our 5 November event
• Enter your organisation in the Fertility Friendly Employer Awards – deadline extended until Friday 26, September

If you’ve just received a PCOS diagnosis, give yourself a moment. It’s okay to feel upset or overwhelmed. When you’re ready, know that there are lifestyle strategies that can help you feel better and regain a sense of control. Nutrition, sleep, movement, and self-compassion all play a role. And you’re not alone. Support is out there.

Please take a moment to subscribe to this podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you’re listening. It really helps more people find these conversations and lets us know you’re finding them helpful. Thanks as always for being here. Unti next time.

Welcome to the latest episode of The Fertility Podcast, which is during World Childless Week. If this is your first time listening, welcome. I’m a fertility advocate, a podcaster, and a mum of one. During the last decade of making this podcast, I've shared many stories of people's route to parenthood talking about those who have brought home a baby and also those who haven't as I have always wanted to ensure that whatever you are going through, you can find people who you can relate to. I also have a deep responsibility to include the voices of those who are childless not by choice, as their experiences and the acceptance that comes with revaluating the reproductive story you might have grown up provides such valuable insight.

In this episode, I’m joined by Helen Gallagher, the inspiring voice behind the Happy and Childless podcast. Helen shares her powerful story of navigating grief, identity, and purpose after coming to terms with not having children. We talk about what acceptance really looks like, how the workplace can be more inclusive, and why connection and compassion matter more than ever.

If you’re in this place yourself, or you know someone who is, I hope this conversation helps you feel less alone. And if now is not the right time, that’s okay too. Just remember that when you are ready, there is a whole community out there waiting to welcome you.

• Helen’s experience with involuntary childlessness and why she became an advocate
• How her blog and podcast began as a therapeutic outlet and grew into coaching and workplace support
• The emotional complexity of living in a blended family and grieving a path you never got to walk
• Her journey of self acceptance, healing, and finding purpose after infertility
• The power of community and why connection is vital when you feel isolated
• How workplaces can unintentionally exclude employees who are childless not by choice
• The impact of back to school season and family-focused milestones on the childless community
• The importance of compassion, boundaries, and emotional literacy at work
• What World Childless Week is and why it matters
• Advice for anyone starting to process the idea of stopping fertility treatment
• How Helen now helps others through coaching, podcasting, and advocacy
• You are not alone. One in five women and one in four men do not have children, and most are not by choice.
• Your worth is not defined by parental status.
• Connection, community, and support are everything. There is no shame in seeking help.
• Acceptance takes time. Grief and joy can co-exist.
• Being childless does not mean being joyless. There is purpose and meaning on the other side of loss.

• Listen to Helen’s podcast: Happy and Childless
• Visit World Childless Week to read stories and join the community
• Check out the work of Jody Day (Gateway Women), Jessica Hepburn, Aisha Balisaria, Yvonne John, and Robin Hadley
• DM me anytime on Instagram: @fertilitypoddy
• For support groups, visit Fertility Action

Here's other onspired convesations with The Fertility Podcast archives from people from the CNBC community