Variability in Human Fertility

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

• ISBN13: 9780521495691
• ISBN10: 0521495695
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1996-08-28
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Summary

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 breast-feeding in modifying ovarian function. This will be an important book for all those interested in human fertility.

Table of Contents

List of contributors	ix
1 Introduction: the biological anthropological approach	1	(6)
G. A. HARRISON
PART I: HORMONAL ASPECTS OF FERTILITY REGULATION	7	(62)
2 The hypothalamo-pituitary regulation of the reproductive function: towards an increasing complexity	7	(18)
J.-C. THALABARD
M. L. GOUBILLON
G. PLU-BUREAU
3. Lactation, condition and sociality: constraints on fertility of non-human mammals	25	(21)
P. C. LEE
4. Evidence for interpopulation variation in normal ovarian function and consequences for hormonal contraception	46	(23)
G. R. BENTLEY
PART II: INTERPOPULATION VARIABILITY	69	(56)
5 Age and developmental effects on human ovarain function	69	(22)
P. T. ELLISON
6 Non-pathological source of variability in fertility: between/within subjects and between populations	91	(15)
L. ROSETTA
7 The relationship between disease and subfecundity	106	(19)
C. G. N. MASCIE-TAYLOR
PART III: METABOLIC AND ENERGETIC ASPECTS OF REGULATION	125	(92)
8 Metabolic adaptation in humans: does it occur?	125	(23)
P. S. SHETTY
9 Possible adaptive mechanisms for energy saving during physical activity	148	(19)
M. RIEU
10 Body composition and fertility: methodological considerations	167	(28)
N. G. NORGAN
11 Breast-feeding practices and other metabolic loads affecting human reproduction	195	(22)
P. G. LUNN
Index	217