November 27, 2007

It’s Fall Again…it’s Time to Conceive!

According to Hallmark Greeting cards, more birthdays fall between the months of August and October more than at any other time of the year. In fact, 20% more babies are born in August than in February. And even the CDC confirms the rates of STDs rise as well.

Although many people think the reason for this increase in the horizontal tango is attributed to the fact that it’s cold outside and humans naturally seek the warmth of another. But there is actual scientific evidence that provides a better explanation for why people are more prone to do the wild thing during the fall and winter months. And not just because its cold outside or someone’s spiked the egg nog at one too many holiday parties.

According to a recent study, seasonal changes affect our testosterone levels. This hormone, often associated with aggressiveness or physical brawn, causes our body fat to shift thus altering our shapes and figures – the most evident changes occurring around our midsections. And here I thought it was my father’s sweet potato pie!

It seems when testosterone levels fall in men they tend to retain more fat around the midsection. The exact opposite holds true for women resulting in a reduction of fat in the same area. However, when hormone levels are high, usually in early fall and winter, women tend to carry more weight in their waists and hips.

So what does all this shifting of fat really mean? Well according to the scientists who conducted the study, the study suggests women look more curvaceous in fall and winter thus making them more attractive to their mate.

Of course, many will see this research as inconclusive since the hormone levels of both women and women are high during these months as well. But, doesn’t it give you one more reason not to work out:)