Keep five close friends for your fertility’s sake
HAVING five close friends may boost a woman’s fertility, a leading psychologist claims.
That is because being in a close-knit group acts as a buffer against stress, according to Robin Dunbar, the professor of evolutionary psychology at Oxford University.
Those lacking a circle of confidantes are more likely to see their monthly cycle disrupted and thus will find it harder to conceive.
And the stress of maintaining too many casual acquaintances – rather than a core of close friends – will also disrupt a woman’s hormones, Professor Dunbar claims.
He told the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s annual meeting in Boston that women trying to have children will find a circle of close friendships helpful.
He bases his theory on research in primates that found that female monkeys lacking a close “coalition” of allies are more likely to be infertile. Professor Dunbar said: “The size of relationships place huge stress on endocrinology (hormone levels). It can destabilise the menstrual cycle and cause infertility. Having too many casual acquaintances makes you infertile. You see it in primates.
“There is a suggestion that your core friends – the shoulder to cry on friends – can bolster your fertility. A core of five best friends are crucial in buffering you against the stress of other people.
“If you do not have these friends, you are more likely to have your menstrual cycle and endocrinology disrupted.”
The professor is famous for coming up with the “Dunbar number” – a theory that our brain limits us to a maximum of 150 friends.
His latest research suggests women can maintain their friendships by chatting with each other regularly by telephone. By contrast, men need to meet – such as going to the pub or playing soccer – to maintain friendships.