Pheromones have been the subject of many studies over the years. Scientists are fascinated at how and why this evolutionary marvel affects the human body, both physically and emotionally. Pheromones are used by many animals including reptiles and insects, but humans have generally lost touch with this natural form of communication over the ages. But that is changing thanks to some innovative science.
A study by the University of Chicago in 1998 showed that humans do in fact react to pheromones, as well as produce them. This study was published in the Nature journal stated that pheromones can actually regulate female ovulation by making it longer or shorter. This study proves that pheromones do have an affect on the sexual aspects of the human body.
Another research project at the University of Utah in 1994 by Dr. David Berliner did a breakthrough study on 400 humans and found that we do indeed have a VNO (vomeronasal organ) which plays a very important role as being the physical receptor of pheromones. It was thought that we had this organ as an evolutionary “left over”, which played no practical part in our lives, however this has been debunked through studies such as Dr. Berliner’s. This important finding proved that our active VNO is there to pick up pheromones and deliver them to the hypothalamus, where they then have an immediate impact on emotions and feelings.
Perhaps the most groundbreaking study on pheromones was done back in 1986 by Dr. Winifred Cutler, who has pioneered research in this field. In 1986 she helped to discover pheromones in our underarm area. These are not the same as body odor, and remain there after sweat and surface odor is removed. In the 1970’s Dr. Cutler discovered that the menstrual cycles of women who have regular sex are more regular, and they are more fertile than women who do not engage in consistent intercourse. It took many years of research to find out how the males played a part in this process – but Dr. Cutler eventually discovered that it was due to pheromones.
Pheromone studies help us to understand how this mysterious and amazing function of the human body can transfer relationships and people.