QUESTION: An article I have just finished tells of how hormones may affect the reaction of animals and their behavior to one another.
Do these mechanisms exist in humans and affect their behavior as well?
ANSWER: The release of hormones and the sense of smell has been proven to have a definite effect in many kinds of animals, but the relationship between human hormone secretions and scents is not fully understood. The hormone-like substances that make animals react to one another are called pheromones.
The substance is released by one individual and prompts a change in the physiology or behavior of another. When a female dog goes into heat, male dogs all over town are attracted to her master's home because of the scent she releases. In colonies of naked mole rats, all females but the queen are infertile. That's because the queen sends out such a strong odor that the reproductive systems of the other females are shut down. In humans, however, over ten years of studies have not been able to establish beyond the shadow of a doubt that pheromones exist.
There were two studies though that are caused considerable debate that human underarm pheromones can influence menstrual cycles.
The research was done by the University of Pennsylvania and the Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia. The researchers collected underarm secretions from men who wore a pad in each armpit.
The male essence was then dabbed on the upper lip of women whose menstrual cycles were irregular lasting less than 26 days or more than 33. After three months of this "therapy" the women's cycles changed lasting an average of approximately 29.5 days, which is the cycle length associated with the highest fertility.
The scientists concluded that male scents produce at least one pheromone that helps promote female reproductive health.
Another study with women who lived in close quarters showed that their menstrual cycles would eventually begin to coincide.
This is believed to be due to underarm sweat secretions. The research will continue, in the hope of unlocking the secrets of the "chemistry" between human beings.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
