Variability in Human Fertility

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

'Normal' reproductive cycles are extremely variable both between women and for any given individual. This book discusses some of the factors which affect fertility such as diet, physical activity, stress and breastfeeding, and examines the implications of this for individuals and societies.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.