Our systems are now restored following recent technical disruption, and we’re working hard to catch up on publishing. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Find out more

Recommended product

Popular links

Popular links


Variability in Human Fertility

Variability in Human Fertility

Variability in Human Fertility

Lyliane Rosetta, University of Cambridge
C. G. Nicholas Mascie-Taylor, University of Cambridge
July 2009
Available
Paperback
9780521117944

    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.

    • Shows how 'normal' reproductive cycles vary considerbaly both between women and for any individual
    • Discusses effect of age, breastfeeding, disease and energetics on human reproduction
    • Investigates the implications of variability in normal ovarian function for hormonal contraceptives

    Reviews & endorsements

    "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

    See more reviews

    Product details

    July 2009
    Paperback
    9780521117944
    236 pages
    229 × 152 × 13 mm
    0.35kg
    14 b/w illus. 18 tables
    Available

    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.
      Contributors
    • G. R. Bentley, P. T. Ellison, M. L. Goubillon, G. A. Harrison, P. C. Lee, P. G. Lunn, C. G. N. Mascie-Taylor, N. G. Norgan. G. Plu-Bureau, M. Rieu, L. Rosetta, P. S. Shetty, J-C.Thalabard

    • Editors
    • Lyliane Rosetta , University of Cambridge
    • C. G. Nicholas Mascie-Taylor , University of Cambridge