Overview

• The team collected axillary odor samples from over 20 women at defined menstrual-cycle phases to isolate volatile compounds that peak during ovulation.
• Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis revealed three specific scent molecules that rise sharply in concentration during the ovulatory phase.
• In blind trials, men rated odor samples enhanced with these compounds as more pleasant and judged associated female images as more attractive and feminine.
• Exposure to the ovulation-linked scent mix suppressed increases in salivary amylase, a stress biomarker, and induced relaxation responses in male participants.
• While planning broader trials and neural investigations, researchers stress that further work is needed to determine whether these ovulatory compounds qualify as true human pheromones.