[1] Are human pheromones of practical interest in sexology?

[2] A Putative Human Pheromone, Androstadienone, Increases Cooperation between Men

[3] 5-!a-androst-16en-3!a-on: A male pheromone? A brief report.

According to the research, Androstenone emphasizes masculinity and dominance. When exposed to it, women may perceive men as more attractive, while other men keep their distance [1]. Men who liked Androstenone aroma may have a more favourable opinion of other men. This compound is sprayed on cinema or theatre seats, which are difficult to sell etc. What is more, Androstenone can improve cooperation between men [2]. Female perception of Androstenone depends on the menstrual cycle phase [3] and on contraceptive pills use [3]. It is considered to be a socio-sexual male pheromone [3].

[1] Evidence that androstadienone, a putative human chemosignal, modulates women’s attributions of men’s attractiveness

[2] Context-dependent effects of steroid chemosignals on human physiology and mood

[3] Chemosensory communication of gender through two human steroids in a sexually dimorphic manner

From the neurological point of view, female responses to Androstadienone go far beyond the olfactory system, activating brain areas responsible for attention, social perception, emotion processing and sexual behaviour [1]. As little as nanomolar amounts of Androstadienone could influence the emotional state and arousal of a woman, regardless of her menstrual cycle stage [2]. When exposed to Androstadienone, women may believe that man’s body is more masculine. Their brains look for masculine features in neutral bodies [3].

[1] Positive Relationship between Menstrual Synchrony and Ability to Smell 5α-Androst-16-en-3α-ol

[2] Human exposure to putative pheromones and changes in aspects of social behaviour

[3] Androstenol, a putative human pheromone, affects human (Homo sapiens) male choice performance.

Human androstenol is produced solely during puberty. This compound is responsible for changing the level of the luteinizing hormone in the hypothalamus [1], which impacts female fertility. It has been shown to change mood and contribute to sexual arousal [2]. When exposed to Androstenol, some women may perceive men as more attractive [3]. What is more, it was noticed that Androstenol applies on the upper lip made some women more calm.

Androstenol can also be used as a masking agent. Men avoid toilets sprayed with this compound (the effect of territory marking by another male) and have a more favourable perception of magazines sprayed with it (as more masculine).