Pheromones are chemical signals that trigger social responses in members of the same species. Humans also have pheromones, which play a role in sexual attraction between males and females. The vomeronasal organ (VNO), or Jacobson’s organ, is thought to be involved in detecting pheromones, although its exact function in humans is debated. This article will explore how pheromones work, how men can activate and amplify their natural pheromones, and the effect this has on attracting potential mates.
What are pheromones?
Pheromones are chemicals that are secreted externally by an individual and received by a second individual, triggering a natural response. Pheromones can communicate information about age, sex, dominance, and reproductive status. In insects, pheromones are well studied and known to elicit clear behavioral and physiological responses.
In mammals, pheromones are detected by the vomeronasal organ (VNO) or Jacobson’s organ. This is a tubular, fluid-filled sac located above the roof of the mouth in the nasal septum. It connects to the nasal cavity via a duct. Inside the VNO are receptor cells that detect pheromones dissolved in the mucus or saliva. When a pheromone binds to a receptor, it triggers a nerve impulse to the brain, eliciting a response.
Evidence suggests the VNO is functional in most adult humans, although there is debate about how strongly it detects pheromones compared to animals. Some studies have shown physiological changes such as increased heart rate and breathing in humans exposed to putative pheromones. However, the effects appear to be variable and subtle compared to animals.
Nevertheless, pheromones are likely involved in human attraction and mate selection on some level, even if their effects are not as overtly dramatic as seen in other mammals. Variations in an individual’s pheromone “cocktail” may influence who a person is attracted to and chooses as a mate.
How are pheromones produced in men?
In men, pheromones are produced and secreted by several areas of the body:
– Apocrine glands – These are scent glands concentrated in hair follicles, located in areas like the armpits and genitals. They secrete an oily, viscous sweat that contains pheromones.
– Sebaceous glands – These glands secrete an oily substance called sebum on the skin that contains pheromones. They are found all over the body.
– Testes – Male sex hormones like testosterone influence pheromone production. The testes are a major source of androstenone, a putative male pheromone.
– Skin – Microorganisms that live on the skin help break down secretions from apocrine and sebaceous glands into pheromone compounds.
Some of the known pheromones secreted by men include:
– Androstenone – Has a musky odor and is similar to testosterone. Secreted in higher concentrations by men than women.
– Androstadienone – A metabolite of testosterone also considered a male pheromone. May influence mood and arousal in women.
– Androsterone – A steroid produced by testes and adrenal glands. May signal male dominance.
– Cadaverine and putrescine – Give off a foul odour of decay. Thought to signal boldness/confidence.
– Cholesterol – Precursor of male sex hormones, may signal reproductive fitness.
The concentrations and exact blends of these pheromones can vary between individuals and depend on genetics, health, diet, and environmental factors. This variability may uniquely prime women to be attracted to certain male pheromone profiles over others.
How do men activate pheromones?
Men can activate and amplify their natural pheromones through a few different methods:
Physical Activity
Exercise and physical activity stimulate pheromone production in men. Activities that raise core body temperature slightly, like running, cycling, or resistance training, can boost pheromone secretion from sweat and oil glands for several hours after working out. This may temporarily make a man’s pheromones more potent to potential mates.
However, too much sweating from extreme exercise may break down pheromones before they can have an effect. Mild to moderate activity is ideal.
Testosterone Boosting
Testosterone is closely linked to pheromone synthesis in men. Activities known to temporarily raise testosterone levels, like winning competitions, engaging in dominant behavior, or experiencing successes, may also increase secretion of androstenone and androstadienone for a period of time after.
Getting plenty of rest and limiting stress can help keep baseline testosterone and pheromone levels higher overall.
Diet
Eating foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals can help fuel pheromone production. For example:
– Zinc – Oysters and wheat germ are high in zinc, which is needed for testosterone synthesis.
– Vitamin D – Boosts testosterone levels. Found in fatty fish and fortified dairy.
– Cholesterol – Precursor of sex hormones and pheromones. Found in eggs, shellfish, meat, and cheese.
Some herbs like fenugreek may also help support testosterone levels and pheromone production in men.
A healthy, balanced diet ensures the body has the nutrients it needs to make pheromones.
Fragrance
Wearing fragrance can directly activate the olfactory receptors that detect pheromones. Many colognes contain synthetic human pheromones within the fragrance formula, or molecules similar in structure to natural pheromones like androstenone.
When wearing a pheromone cologne, try to apply it to pulse points where body heat will diffuse the scent, making it more potent. Good locations are wrists, behind ears, and neck. Reapply it periodically when the scent starts to fade.
Body Odor
While good hygiene is important, allowing some natural body odor to come through can help disperse pheromones. Showering and using deodorant right before interacting with potential mates removes too much of the key pheromone compounds secreted in underarm sweat and around genitals.
It’s best to allow pheromones to build up for several hours beforehand. Just avoid smelling too foul, as that can be off-putting. Finding the right balance is key.
Facial Hair
For men who can grow facial hair, keeping a bit of stubble may help capture and disperse pheromones from the face region. Clean-shaven skin reflects light, while the microscopic ridges of beard stubble diffuse and release odors.
There is also evidence that beard growth is influenced by testosterone levels. So facial hair may signal good testosterone and pheromone production to females.
How do activated pheromones affect women?
When men successfully amplify their pheromone levels using the above strategies, how does that affect women exposed to them? Some observed effects include:
Increased Attraction
Studies show higher male pheromone concentrations make men seem more attractive to women. Specific pheromones like androstadienone appear to modulate women’s mood positively and make them more receptive. Even minutes of exposure can make a woman see a man as more sexually appealing.
Hormonal Changes
Certain male pheromones, especially androstadienone, have been shown to alter hormone levels and menstruation in women. For example, being exposed to male sweat increased levels of the female hormone luteinizing hormone. Higher luteinizing hormone just before ovulation is characteristic of women in the presence of an attractive male.
Elevated Mood
Pheromones like androstadienone and androstenone can lift mood, reduce tension, and promote relaxation in females, particularly if exposure occurs over several hours. This may make women more sociable, friendlier, and receptive to approach from potential male partners.
Sexual Arousal
There is evidence male pheromones trigger activation in brain areas of heterosexual women linked to sexual attraction and arousal. PET imaging studies have shown pheromone signals from men accumulate in female brain regions involved in sexual behavior and motivation. This effect may be especially apparent near ovulation.
Increased Touching
When exposed to putative male pheromones, women have been observed to engage in more touching behaviors. This included increased hand-to-face contact, playing with hair more frequently, and more self-grooming gestures. Touching may signal interest and willingness to engage socially with males producing the pheromones.
Imprinting-like Effect
Some research suggests that female exposure to male pheromones when sufficiently young can have an “imprinting-like” effect, priming them later in life to favor the pheromones of males familiar to them from early on. This may benefit later mate selection and attraction.
Conclusion
Male pheromones play a subtle but complex role in attracting female interest and signaling mate suitability. While pheromones alone are not necessarily enough to make a woman fall head over heels for a man, amplifying and activating one’s natural pheromone production through diet, exercise, testosterone boosting, fragrance, and grooming habits can help create an edge. Employing these strategies when first approaching or interacting with women may set the stage for making a positive first impression and sparking that initial attraction.