Variations in olfactory sensitivity to exaltolide during the menstrual cycle.

Abstract

A group of 73 female student nurses was studied to detect any change that might occur in the degree of olfactory sensitivity to the odor of Exaltolide during the menstrual cycle. Reactions to solutions of various concentrations of Exaltolide were tested. Data obtained from each subject on a given day before the menses were grouped, and the mean of each day''s grouping was plotted to give a curve over the range 1-28 days before the menses. Extraneous factors, i.e., smoking, medication, respiratory infections, and room temperature, had no statistically significant effect on the degree of sensitivity under the conditions of this experiment. Two peaks in the olfactory acuity were statistically significant: one just preceding the theoretical ovulatory phase (17 days before the menses), and one during the luteal phase (8 days before the menses). These results suggest a possible relationship between estrogen excretion levels and olfactory sensitivity to Exaltolide.