Human Pheromones
In the animal kingdom, pheromones are used to attract mates, ward off potential predators or rivals, and signal changes in behavior. These special chemicals are used in the human world too. Only human pheromones aren’t given as much attention as animal pheromones, for some strange reason.
Human pheromones are very similar to animal pheromones when you look at the big picture. Since we humans have other ways of accomplishing our natural needs, we don’t have much use for them, but it is important to know how pheromones affect our bodies.
Human pheromones are carried in sweat. An extensive research program performed by the U.S. government showed that pheromones in male sweat glands affect a woman’s menstrual cycle. When exposed to these chemicals in the male’s sweat glands, a woman’s menstrual cycle can speed up or slow down, depending on whether or not she was exposed before or after ovulation. This discovery is called the McClintock Effect in honor of Martha McClintock, who served as the lead investigator on the project. This is not the only way a male’s pheromones affect females. More studies have shown that the male pheromone androstadienone regulates levels of cortisol in the female’s body. It is also known that pheromones given off during sexual intercourse can determine a person’s reaction to that intercourse. It is interesting to note that a homosexual man will react to these pheromones the same way a heterosexual woman would.
There are many companies out there that claim their products use natural pheromones from people to help attract the opposite sex. Despite this, the government and the health department maintain that pheromones do not actually “attract” the opposite sex and have almost no direct control over human behavior.
A recent study also found that humans secrete pheromones in their urine as well. The purpose of these pheromones is still unknown.
Understanding pheromones may prove to be the next big step in understanding human behavior. Unfortunetly, we know almost nothing about them and more extensive research must be done to get us on our way.
