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Lactation, Nutrition and Fertility and the Secretion of Prolactin and Gonadotrophins in Mopan Mayan Women

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 July 2008

A. E. Fink ,
G. Fink ,
H. Wilson ,
J. Bennie ,
S. Carroll  and
H. Dick
A. E. Fink*
Affiliation:
St Antony's College and Institute of Social Anthropology, Oxford University, Edinburgh
G. Fink
Affiliation:
MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Edinburgh
H. Wilson
Affiliation:
MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Edinburgh
J. Bennie
Affiliation:
MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Edinburgh
S. Carroll
Affiliation:
MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Edinburgh
H. Dick
Affiliation:
MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Edinburgh
*
*c/o MRC Brain Metabolism Unit, Edinburgh.
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Summary

The effect of lactation on menstrual cycles, ovulation and conception was studied in a group of non-contracepting Amerindian Mopan Mayan women. Anthropological observations of relevant events were made over a 21-month period. Blood samples were assayed to determine the plasma concentrations of prolactin, luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin, placental lactogen, oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol. The data show that: frequent and prolonged breast-feeding was associated with a marked increase in plasma prolactin concentrations to levels similar to those in lactating Gaing but higher than those in lactating Scottish women; ovulatory menstrual cycles and pregnancy occurred during frequent lactation; in lactating menstruating women there was an inverse correlation between fat weight and months post-partum. These data suggest that other factors as well as suckling account for the effects of lactation on fecundity.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Biosocial Science , Volume 24 , Issue 1 , January 1992 , pp. 35 - 52
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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