---
title: Does how you smell things change during the menstrual cycle? | Niyora
description: How sensitive women were to smells did not change during the menstrual cycle. However, how much women liked one smell (androstenone) showed a clear pattern ac
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/changes-in-olfactory-perception-during-the-menstrual-cycle-1991/
---

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- Does how you smell things change during the menstrual cycle?

Survey study, 1991

# Does how you smell things change during the menstrual cycle?

How sensitive women were to smells did not change during the menstrual cycle. However, how much women liked one smell (androstenone) showed a clear pattern across the cycle, peaking at ovulation.

 Early or limited evidence

14 young, healthy women who menstruated regularly and did not use birth control

## What they did

14 young, healthy women who menstruated regularly and did not use birth control participated. They were tested on how well they could detect three smells: phenylethyl alcohol, androstenone, and nicotine. The study followed 5 phases covering different parts of the menstrual cycle.

## What they found

Ability to detect smells was not significantly influenced by the menstrual cycle. For androstenone specifically, how much women liked the smell showed a clear pattern across the cycle, with the strongest liking at ovulation.

## What it means for you

Your ability to smell things stays the same throughout your menstrual cycle. But your feelings about certain smells may shift, with one smell being most liked at ovulation. The main limitation is the small sample size of 14 women.

14

women studied

3

different smells tested

5

phases of menstrual cycle

## About the study

Original title Changes in olfactory perception during the menstrual cycle Authors Hummel T, Gollisch R, Wildt G et al. Journal Experientia Year 1991 Study design Survey study Read the paper [doi.org/10.1007/bf01958823](https://doi.org/10.1007/bf01958823)

## Topics

[Oral contraceptives and drospirenone](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-hormonal-contraceptives/)[Alcohol, smoking and substance use](https://niyora.com/research/topics/comorbidity-substance-use/)[Stigma, attitudes and culture](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-stigma-culture/)

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