Sweat your way to happiness

by ROSALIND RYAN, femail.co.uk

The smell of a man's sweat can make women happier, according to startling new research.

Biologists from America's University of Pennsylvania found that male perspiration can cut stress, aid relaxation and relieve premenstrual tension in women.

Researchers collected sweat from the underarms of men who had worn no deodorant and washed with fragrance-free soap for four weeks. The samples were then applied to the top lips of 18 women who rated their moods over a six-hour period.

Lead author of the study, Charles Wysocki, says, 'Much to our surprise, the women reported feeling less tense and more relaxed during exposure to the male extract.'

Blood tests also revealed a rise in the reproductive lutenizing hormone, something that normally occurs just before ovulation.

Wysocki said this could indicate a 'chemical communication' code between men and women that helps them subconsciously coordinate their reproductive efforts.

None of the women involved in the study were sexually aroused by the perspiration. In fact, many believed they were testing alcohol, perfume or even lemon floor wax!

But if the study was reproduced in a more sensual setting, the researchers believe the odours could lead to sexual thoughts or feelings.

The team are now trying to identify the exact components in the male perspiration that are responsible for the change in mood. They hope to be able to develop new fertility therapies and treatments for PMT.

The study was published in the journal Biology of Reproduction.

Most watched News videos