It's likely you find your boyfriend's armpit smell appealing due to the presence of a chemical called androstenol in his sweat.
The Science Behind the Attraction
Androstenol and Female Attraction
- According to the Social Issues Research Center, women are attracted to androstenol, a natural chemical found in fresh male sweat. This chemical isn't just a random odor; it actually triggers a specific response in your brain.
- This response involves a rise in cortisol levels, which is your body's main stress hormone. While it might seem counterintuitive to associate stress with attraction, this cortisol increase seems to play a role in this attraction.
How it Works:
| Chemical | Source | Effect on Women |
|---|---|---|
| Androstenol | Fresh Male Sweat | Triggers a rise in cortisol levels; linked to attraction |
Summary:
The attraction to your boyfriend's armpit smell is likely a biological phenomenon driven by androstenol and the resulting chemical reactions in your brain.
