THE EFFECT OF PLEASANT ODORS AND HORMONE STATUS ON MOOD OF WOMEN AT MIDLIFE

The effect of odors on the mood of 56 women ranging in age from 45 to 60 years was determined using the POMS (Profile of Mood States). The 5 6 subjects were divided into four groups of 14 subjects each on the ba sis of hormonal status. Group 1 consisted of 14 women who were still m enstruating; group 2 consisted of 14 women who were no longer menstrua ting and taking estrogen; group 3 consisted of 14 women who were no lo nger menstruating and taking estrogen and progesterone; and, group 4 c onsisted of 14 women who were no longer menstruating and taking no hor mone replacement. Use of pleasant odors significantly improved scores on tension, depression, and confusion factors. In addition, women usin g estrogen replacement with or without progesterone had better mood sc ores than those who did not, which is consistent with previous studies .