Variability in human fertility

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.