An introduction to pheromones
The first pheromone was identified in 1953. This pheromone, called bombykol, is secreted by female moths and carried a “come to me” signal to males. This signal can travel large distances and is effective at low concentrations.
The mammalian pheromone system was more difficult to understand because mammals, far from having the simple stereotyped behaviour of insects, have complex and independent behaviour. Mammals were found to detect pheromones through an organ in the nose called the VNO, which is similar in function to the olfactory membranes but connects to the hypothalamus.
Scientists were beginning to speculate whether a pheromone system existed in humans. In the 70’s Martha McClintock noticed that females living in close proximity underwent a changing of phase of their menstrual cycles causing them to ovulate at similar times. It was discovered that this effect was due to a chemosignal, or pheromone. In 1974 Dr George Dodd descovered the first human sex pheromone, alpha-androstenol.
Although humans are mammals, it is not certain that all pheromones are detected by the human VNO; some may be detected by the olfactory membranes (by normal smelling). It is known that pheromones do not need to actually be smelled to exert their subconscious effect, although human pheromones that are commercially available do have a detectable scent at high concentrations. However, not all people are actually able to detect the conscious odour of pheromones, but apparently this does not reduce their subconscious effect.
Although commercially available human pheromones address a quite specific area of human interaction, attraction, pheromones play a role in other areas such as mother-infant bonding. Pheromone products are also from a specific family of pheromones which are derived from sex hormones which indicate youth, fertility, etc. Everybody secretes these chemicals, but not in the same quantities. Other pheromones are unique to the individual, such as the pheromones that signal tissue type (Major Histo-compatibility – the “T-shirt study”). The hormone derived pheromones are naturally secreted onto the skin via the apocrine glands, which are primarily situated in the arm pits and the pubic region; the hair in these areas helps to disperse the pheromones effectively. These scent glands have in some cases evolved to perform an entirely different and specialised role, for example in the ear to produce ear wax, or in women’s breasts to produce milk.
It is known that androstenol can induce a spike in Luteinizing Hormone in both sexes, and this leads to a spike in testosterone levels which may be responcible for feelings of attraction.
Pheromone products usually contain these three pheromones:
- Androstenone (a.k.a -none, Anone): Signals dominance and aggression, quite competitive. -none is often associated with a sexual response, but by no means exclusively.
- Androstenol (a.k.a -nol, Anol): Signals youth, and sociability, often induces lots of talking, friendliness and comfort. As it often seems to cause conversation, it can be a good ice breaker.
- Androsterone (a.k.a -rone, Arone): Signals masculinity. It also creates an impression of reliability and protection (i.e. "this is the alpha male who can look after me").
- Copulins (a.k.a cops): Secreted in women’s vaginas during ovulation, these are a collection of fatty acids and other biological molecules that serve to induce copulation. It is said that if a man smells Copulins on a woman, she is judged to be more attractive.
These are the most common three, but there are other types of human pheromones. Many commercial pheromone sites are keen to boast that their products are the strongest or most concentrated, hoping to convince customers that their products are the most effective. However, this ploy is either just marketing hype, or these sites are seriously misinformed. If concentration was the determining factor in effectiveness, people would be wearing pheromones strait from the Chem Set. But they aren't. Buyers should be aware that pheromone products like APC will require that more product be applied than with products like Perfect 10, but concentration doesn't make or break a product. Recently more effort has been put into achieving a ratio of different pheromones that is "just right" for the products purpose.
For further information on pheromones, take a look at the “What are pheromones?” article. The Pheromone Links page contains links to scientific studies on pheromones.
If you are interested in knowing more about pheromone products, the Pheromone Product Guide is a good place to start.
The Newbie FAQ will answer a lot a questions for those just starting out with their pheromone product, or for those who are interested in buying one.