Men's moods are lifted and women become more appealing according to a study, as it appears that the scent of a woman during ovulation has a positive impact.
Scientists at the University of Tokyo have made a groundbreaking discovery, identifying specific scent compounds that fluctuate during a woman's menstrual cycle [1][2][5]. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the team has pinpointed three volatile compounds that significantly increase during a woman's ovulatory period [2][3][5].
These scent compounds have a measurable impact on men's behaviour and perception. In a series of tests, men found the scent mixtures with these compounds more pleasant and rated women's photos associated with the scents as more attractive and feminine [1][2][3]. Exposure to these scents also reduced stress in men, as evidenced by the suppression of amylase, a stress biomarker, in their saliva [1][2][5].
The research emphasises this phenomenon is not evidence of human pheromones in the classical sense but suggests female scent subtly influences social and emotional responses in men, likely facilitating communication or attraction cues [2][3][5].
Despite the lack of direct evidence for human pheromones in the past, this study provides findings similar to how pheromones might work in humans [2]. However, the researchers have yet to confirm if these identified compounds are species-specific, and the scientific community remains sceptical about the role of human pheromones in steering romantic behaviours [6].
The study did not discuss the implications for the development of new fragrances or personal care products, understanding the evolution of human behaviour or social dynamics, contraception or family planning, or the treatment of conditions such as infertility or sexual dysfunction [4].
The researchers aim to delve deeper, exploring how these ovulatory compounds affect specific brain regions related to emotion and perception, and including a more diverse group of participants [7]. Collecting armpit odour samples from over 20 women at specific points in their menstrual cycles was a major hurdle for the researchers [8].
The findings were published in the journal iScience and have sparked intrigue in the scientific community. As the research progresses, we may gain a better understanding of the role of scent in human social dynamics and emotional responses.
References: 1. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94415-1 2. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94415-1 3. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94415-1 4. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94415-1 5. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94415-1 6. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94415-1 7. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94415-1 8. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94415-1
- The discovery of scent compounds that fluctuate during a woman's menstrual cycle, and their impact on men's behavior and perception, highlights the potential role of innovation in health-and-wellness products, such as perfumes designed to influence social and emotional responses.
- This study's findings, which suggest female scent affects social and emotional responses in men, could potentially be a stepping stone for future research in science, fitness-and-exercise, and understanding the evolution of human behavior or social dynamics.
