Variability in Human Fertility

by Lyliane Rosetta, C. G. Nicholas Mascie-Taylor

Overview

Many wrongly believe that reproductive cycles are very similar among human females. In actuality, there are considerable variations among individuals and within the reproductive life of any given female. "Normal" reproductive cycles cover a wide range of examples, and the likelihood of successful monthly egg release and ensuing pregnancy can be modified by many factors. In this book, the variability of human fertility is examined by looking first at the physiological processes regulating reproduction. Interpopulation variation in normal ovarian function is then discussed, covering the importance of factors such as age and disease in the modification of ovarian function. The final part of this text covers issues of metabolic effects on reproduction. Researchers will welcome this definitive compilation of observations on fertility.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521495691
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/28/1996
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology , #19
Pages:	236
Product dimensions:	6.18(w) x 9.29(h) x 0.83(d)

Table of Contents

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.

Editorial Reviews

"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

From the Publisher