THE WAR OF ODORS - IMPORTANCE OF PHEROMON ES FOR HUMAN-REPRODUCTION

The significance of odours for human reproduction is partially neglect ed by medical sciences. Nevertheless, it can be shown that male pherom ones (androstenol/androstenone) from male sweat have a direct impact o n female menstrual cycles and ovulation. Furthermore, female pheromone s (copulins), which are present in vaginal secretions, influence male perception of females and may induce hormonal changes in males. The mu tual pheromonal influence between the sexes is discussed as a result o f sex-specific reproductive interests which are a consequence of evolu tionary constraints.