Variability in Human Fertility

Looks at variation in human fertility in relation to nutrition, physical activity and disease.

Lyliane Rosetta (Edited by), C. G. Nicholas Mascie-Taylor (Edited by)

9780521495691, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 August 1996

236 pages, 14 b/w illus. 18 tables
23.6 x 15.7 x 2.1 cm, 0.462 kg

"Each chapter addresses a different topic and includes a fine technical overview with plenty of references for further investigation...can be recommended to anyone with an interest in human fertility." Heidi D. Fain, Quarterly Review of Biology

It is widely believed that reproductive cycles are very similar between human females. However, there are in fact considerable variations both between individuals and within the reproductive life of any given individual. 'Normal' reproductive cycles cover a wide range of eventualities, and the likelihood of successful monthly egg release and ensuing pregnancy can be modified by a large number of factors. In this book, the variability of human fertility is examined by first looking at the physiological processes regulating reproduction, and the roles of metabolic adaptation and metabolic load. Inter-population variation in normal ovarian function is then discussed, covering the importance of factors such as age, disease and breastfeeding in modifying ovarian function. First published in 1996, this is an important book for all those interested in human fertility.

1. Introduction: the biological anthropological approach G. A. Harrison
Part I. Hormonal Aspects of Fertility Regulation: 2. The hypothalamo-pituitary regulation of the reproductive function: towards an increasing complexity J.-C. Thalabard, M. L.Goubillon and G. Plu-Bureau
3. Lactation, condition and sociality: constraints on fertility of non-human mammals P. C. Lee
4. Evidence for interpopulation variation in normal ovarian function and consequences for hormonal contraception G. R. Bentley
Part II. Interpopulation Variability: 5. Age and developmental effects on human ovarian function P. T. Ellison
6. Non-pathological source of variability in fertility: between/within subjects and between populations L. Rosetta
7. The relationship between disease and subfecundity C. G. N. Mascie-Taylor
Part III. Metabolic and Energetic Aspects of Regulation: 8. Metabolic adaptation in humans: does it occur? P. S. Shetty
9. Possible adaptive mechanisms for energy saving during physical activity M. Rieu
10. Body composition and fertility: methodological considerations N. G. Norgan
11. Breast-feeding practices and other metabolic loads affecting human reproduction P. G. Lunn
Index.

Subject Areas: Human biology [PSX], Reproductive medicine [MFKC], Physical anthropology [JHMP]