5-α-androst-16en-3α-on: A male pheromone? A brief report

doi:10.1016/0162-3095(93)90006-4

Ethology and Sociobiology

Volume 14, Issue 3, May 1993, Pages 201-207

https://doi.org/10.1016/0162-3095(93)90006-4 Get rights and content

Abstract

Olfactory cues play a prominent, yet underestimated role in shaping emotional attitudes towards conspecifics. Among humans olfactory cues can have effects on behavior. In a rating study (n = 290) females rated the smell of androstenone. The emotional reaction to androstenone changed during the menstrual cycle. Females rated the main component of male body odor unattractive. This changed to a neutral emotional response at the conceptive optimum around ovulation. The finding has direct consequences for hypotheses concerning the evolutionary loss of estrus. It is suggested that the cyclic-dependent emotional rating of androstenone may facilitate active female choice of sex partners and may be a proximate cue for female mate-choice.

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5-α-androst-16en-3α-on: A male pheromone? A brief report

Abstract

Journal of Social and Biological Structures

Biological Psychology

Psychoneuroendocrinology

Specific anosmias to 5α-androst-16-en-3-one and w-pentadecalactone: The urinous and musky primary odors

Chemical Senses and Flavor

Concealment of ovulation, parental care, and human social evolution

The risk of conception on different days of menstrual cycle

Population Studies