Publisher's Weekly Review
A cure has been raced for, sought after, and exhaustively researched, but as yet to no avail; the seemingly ubiquitous pink ribbon has become synonymous with steadily rising rates in breast cancer, and, more generally, the myriad health risks faced by women today. Jasienska, a professor at Jagiellonian University's Institute of Public Health in Krakow, Poland, explores the ways in which modern changes in attitude (and medicine) with respect to the evolutionary role of women to reproduce might be contributing to rising female health problems. Jasienska demonstrates that long ago, estrogen levels were kept in check by the frequency with which women, lacking any suitable form of birth control, became pregnant; today, on the other hand, women-abetted by social and technological advances-can choose a life for themselves other than motherhood. However, this means that women are pregnant fewer times during their lifespan, therefore they cycle more frequently and thus produce more estrogen-a hormone which, at high levels, shows a high correlation with the incidence of breast cancer. Despite huge steps made in the last 100 years toward gender equality, Jasienska compellingly shows that the impact of millennia of biological evolution continues to assert itself. Extremely dense, this book will appeal primarily to academics and health professionals. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Choice Review
Evolutionary factors interact with a wide range of human characteristics, some that continue to be beneficial and others that have outlived their usefulness. For example, the human fight-or-flight response is counterproductive in situations of chronic stress. In The Fragile Wisdom, Jasienska (Jagiellonian Univ., Poland) offers new insights into evolutionary trade-offs between reproductive viability and other aspects of a woman's health. The book includes well-researched (48 pages of references) analyses of Paleolithic dietary patterns as well as hormonal fluctuations that support fertility of younger women and place these same women at risk for postmenopausal cancers of their reproductive organs. One of many strengths of the book is the author's refusal to settle for easy answers or to offer advice. Rather, she raises questions and argues persuasively that human evolutionary heritage is far more complex, more interesting, and more challenging than most readers may have imagined. Although the emphasis is on women's health, this thought-provoking, well-reasoned work is relevant for anyone seeking a better understanding of humanity's collective history and its implications for today. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals; general readers. M. D. Lagerwey Western Michigan University
Library Journal Review
This book focuses on the reproductive health of women from an evolutionary perspective. Jasienska (public health, Jagiellonian Univ., Poland) uses many studies as well as her own research to create a narrative of adaption and modification from fetal development to menopause. This research suggests the health of a woman is tied not only to her mother but also to the health and environment of her grandmother during her reproductive years, factors rarely taken into consideration by public health programs. The evolutionary adaptions that allow a woman to reproduce successfully do not necessarily engender longevity. For instance, hormones that increase the likelihood of pregnancy also increase the likelihood of breast cancer. Higher birth weight, linked to healthier infants, can lead to heart disease later in life. Evidence for these arguments is laid out clearly and effectively. Overall, the information is presented honestly, including contradictory reports, limitations of the different studies regarding sample size and testing, alternative interpretations of the data, and the need for additional research. An extensive list of references is included. Verdict A great read for those interested in women's health and evolutionary biology.-Susanne Caro, Univ. of Montana-Missoula Lib. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.