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.
What we talk about● 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
Let’s keep the conversation going- 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
Final thoughtsIf 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.