CLASS 5

Relevance of Menarche, Menopause, and other bioevent to fertility

Why is there more focus on female fertility than male counterparts?

Female fertility events receive more emphasis in demography due to the asymmetrical nature of
reproductive roles. The following are a few factors:

Historical and Societal Context: In traditional cultures, women

have been primarily responsible for having children and raising
Historical and them. This cultural point of view has changed the focus of
Why emphasis of female

Societal Context population studies. Also, women's reproductive rights and access
to family planning services have been at the center of debates
Biological Factors about population growth and control, which makes the role of
fertility?

female fertility in demographic studies even more critical.

Measurability and
Biological Factors: Female fertility, which significantly ends with
Data Availability
Menopause, is influenced by physical and social factors,
Paternity necessitating a deeper understanding of its patterns. Male
Uncertainity fertility, which declines with age but typically persists into later
years, is studied differently due to its broader biological timeline.

Measurability and Data Availability: Female fertility is more readily and directly measurable. Women
give birth, which is a clear, observable event. It allows for accurate data collection on fertility rates,
birth intervals, age at first childbirth, and other related metrics. In contrast, measuring male fertility
indirectly through the number of children they father can be more complex and less reliable.

Paternity Uncertainty: In historical contexts and the absence of modern genetic testing, paternity
has always had an element of uncertainty, whereas maternity is inevitable (except in cases of
adoption or surrogacy). This has led to a natural focus on the more easily verified aspect of
reproduction – the mother.

SOME DEFINITIONS

What is fertility? (by Sarah Harper)

It is the childbearing performance of individuals, couples, groups, or populations.

What is fecundity?

It is the capacity to reproduce, which may or may not lead to childbearing.

What are bioevents?

Bioevents are significant events or changes that occur in human biology either as a part of normal
development or as a result of disease or injury. Some examples of bioevents include puberty,
Menopause, pregnancy, birth, ageing, and the onset of various diseases such as cancer, heart
disease, or Alzheimer’s disease.

But for anthropologists, fertility is more complicated. Let us understand with a definition:
Nancy Scheper-Hughes, a medical anthropologist, defines fertility as “the ability to reproduce
socially recognized children.” In her research on infertility and reproduction in rural Brazil, she
explores the tensions between individual desires for parenthood and the social pressures to
reproduce within the context of community and kinship ties.

MAJOR BIOEVENTS OF FEMALE FERTILITY

Menarche Menstruation Menopause

MENARCHE:

In 1910, E.H. Kisch was the first person to use the word "menarche." The word "menarche" comes
from the Greek words "Men," which means "month," and "Arche," which means "beginning." It
means the body has reached puberty and is now ready to breed. Most people have it between the
ages of 10 and 16, with 13 being the average age.

Biology of Menarche

Menarche, the onset of

menstruation, marks a
significant milestone in
female puberty and
reproductive development. It
is triggered by complex
hormonal interactions
involving the hypothalamus,
pituitary gland, and ovaries.
The hypothalamus releases
Gonadotropin-Releasing
Hormone (GnRH), stimulating the pituitary to produce Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and
Luteinizing Hormone (LH). These hormones prompt the ovaries to produce estrogen, leading to the
development of secondary sexual characteristics and the maturation of ovarian follicles.

Symptoms of menarche: symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, bloating, mood swings, breast
tenderness, and changes in vaginal discharge. Hormonal fluctuations during this time can cause
emotional and physical changes.

Factors influencing menarche: Factors influencing menarche include genetics, nutritional status,
overall health, and environmental conditions. Body fat and weight, physical activity levels, and
exposure to certain chemicals, such as PCBs, BPA, and phthalates, can also affect timing.
Socioeconomic factors and psychological stress play roles, too, with variations observed across
different populations and geographic regions.

Ovulation and menarche: Ovulation is the release of a mature egg during the menstrual cycle, which
may start before or after menarche. Post-menarchal girls may experience non-ovulatory periods or
even get pregnant before menarche, requiring a body fat content of at least 22%.

Types of Menarche: Early and Late Menarche; Early menarche might be linked to higher body mass
index or certain genetic predispositions, while late menarche might be associated with lower body
weight, intense physical training, or specific health conditions.
Relevance of Menarche in Demography:

Menarche, the onset of menstruation, is a crucial factor in demography, the study of populations. It
signals the beginning of a woman's reproductive capability. Demographers analyze menarche trends
to understand population dynamics, fertility patterns, and age structures. Changes in the average age
of menarche can influence birth rates and impact population growth, demographics, and public
health planning. Studying menarche in different populations provides insights into socioeconomic,
nutritional, and environmental factors affecting reproductive health, contributing to a
comprehensive understanding of demographic trends and challenges.

Cultural Relevance of Menarche:

It symbolizes a girl's transition to womanhood in many cultures, with ceremonies celebrating this rite
of passage. These rituals may involve traditional clothing, symbolic acts, and communal gatherings,
reinforcing social identity. Conversely, some cultures attach stigma or taboos to menstruation,
contributing to the silence surrounding women's reproductive health.

Some rituals:
a) Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (Ritusuddhi or Langa Voni Function): The Ritusuddhi ceremony is akin to a rite of
passage and includes presenting the girl with a traditional two-piece garment called Langa Voni, symbolizing her
step into womanhood.
b) West Bengal (Tuloni Biya): Tuloni Biya, which means 'small wedding,' is celebrated in some Bengali
communities. The girl is dressed as a bride, and symbolic wedding rituals are performed.
c)

RESEARCH PAPER and BOOKS

a) Coming of Age in Samoa by Margaret Mead
b) Blood Magic
c) Search on Google scholar