Are Men Attracted to Estrogen?
No, men are not directly attracted to estrogen itself. However, higher estrogen levels in women are associated with features men find attractive.
Several studies indicate a correlation between higher estrogen levels in women and increased attractiveness to men. This isn't a direct attraction to the hormone itself, but rather to the physical and scent-related changes estrogen influences.
- Physical Attractiveness: High estrogen levels are linked to features like facial and bodily characteristics considered attractive by men. Research shows high oestrogen levels make a woman's face and body attractive to men. This includes aspects like facial features and body shape.
- Scent: Studies suggest that women with higher estrogen levels and not using hormonal contraception have scents that are more appealing to men. High oestradiol levels, positively related to a woman's attractiveness, are a desirable trait that men may seek.
It's crucial to understand that attraction is complex and multifaceted. While estrogen influences aspects that men find appealing, it's only one factor among many influencing attraction. Other factors such as personality, behavior, and individual preferences play significant roles. A 2012 study in Hormones and Behavior even showed that men were more attracted to women with higher estrogen and lower progesterone levels. Men were more attracted to women with higher levels of estrogen and lower levels of progesterone.
Hormones and Sexual Attraction: A Broader Perspective
The interplay between hormones and sexual attraction is intricate and extends beyond estrogen's influence on female attractiveness. Men's hormonal levels also play a role in their preferences and behaviors, as shown by research on testosterone levels and relationship investment. Men with low testosterone (feminine men) invest in relationships and offspring more than men with high testosterone (masculine men). The menstrual cycle in women and its hormonal fluctuations also influence women's attraction towards men. Hormones associated with the menstrual cycle appear to drive sexual attraction.
