The Presence of Pretty Women Activates Men's Cortisol Levels

Researchers at the University of California studied the hormonal responses of 149 male students aged 18 to 24, with one third interacting with a third researcher age 25 and the remaining two-thirds talking to one of seven female undergrads aged 18 to 22.

After the session, the men with females group rated them an average of 5.83, with seven the top score. The women were considered to be physically desireable.

Next participants did a followup mouthwash sample, allowing researchers to test the difference in hormones, specifically looking for a change in cortisol levels and dopamine.

Testosterone charges male libido, as well as health and wellbeing and typically an energy boost. Cortisol calms the nerves. Combined, the two hormones provide a sense of wellbeing to men.

Results supported the “mating response” in animals. Men explosed to another male saw a two percent drop in testosterone and a seven percent drop in cortisol.

But men explosed to women saw testosterone levels go up by 14 per cent and the anti-stress hormone cortisol by 48 per cent.

“It all boils down to sex,” said Dr. Leslie Knapp, a biological anthropologist at the University of Cambridge. “High levels of testosterone are associated with boosting sexual performance whereas cortisol helps focus your energy and helps you deal with anxiety.”  via Telegraph UK