Human Pheromones – The Influence of Androstenone on Testosterone Levels and Male Cooperative Behavior. Master’s Thesis at the University of Vienna. Unpublished.

Abstract
Pheromones are substances produced by an individual that induce changes in the physiology and/or behavior of another individual. Beyond copulins, this seems to be true for 16-androstanes among humans. 16-androstanes are metabolites of steroid androgens and are produced by the axillary glands. Odorless precursors are converted to odorous forms by coryneform bacteria. The most significant forms are Androstenol and Androstenone. Several studies have suggested that Androstenone may also be a pheromone in humans. The aim of this study is to find the role of Androstenone. It has been shown that Androstenone induces changes in the physiology and behavior of men. It is expected that the change in physiology is associated with a change in testosterone levels. Since testosterone is associated with status and dominance level in men, it is suggested that men with high testosterone levels are less willing to cooperate with men with low testosterone levels.