Source
Department of Education, Nara University of Education, Takabatake, Nara 630-8528, Japan. fukuih@nara-edu.ac.jp
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to verify the influence of odor on the endocrine system (Cortisol, Testosterone).
MATERIAL AND METHODS:
Three odors (Musk, Rose and Floral) and air were given to 16 healthy volunteers (8 males, 8 females), and cortisol (C) and testosterone (T) levels were measured before and after stimulation.
RESULTS:
Each odor decreased levels of C, indicating that odor can attenuate stress. In males, T decreased with Musk, but increased with Floral. In females, T significantly increased with Musk, but decreased with Rose and Floral.
CONCLUSIONS:
These results indicate that influences on hormone levels depend on the type of odor, and sex differences exist in response to odors.