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Androstadienone odor thresholds in adolescents
Thomas Hummel1, Franziska Krone, Johan N Lundström
1Smell and Taste Clinic, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Dresden Medical School, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany. thummel@rcs.urz.tu-dresden.de
Hormones and Behavior
|February 15, 2005
Summary
Adolescent males show decreased sensitivity to the odorant androstadienone as they age through puberty, unlike females. This sex-specific change in olfactory sensitivity contrasts with consistent improvements in verbal skills and odor identification for all adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Olfactory neuroscience
- Developmental psychology
- Steroid hormone research
Background:
- Adolescence involves significant physiological and sensory changes.
- Previous studies noted sex-related differences in olfactory sensitivity to androstenone during puberty.
- Androstadienone, a steroid odorant, is relevant to social and sexual signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-specific age-related changes in androstadienone olfactory sensitivity during puberty.
- To compare these changes with age-related effects on verbal abilities and general olfactory function.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 102 subjects (36 females, 66 males) divided into pre/peri-pubertal and post-pubertal groups.
- Measured androstadienone odor thresholds, verbal abilities, and general olfactory function.
- Analyzed data for sex and age-related differences.
Main Results:
- Male subjects showed decreased androstadienone sensitivity with age (higher threshold), not observed in females.
- A negative correlation between age and androstadienone sensitivity was found in males only.
- Verbal skills and odor identification improved with age in all subjects, irrespective of sex.
Conclusions:
- Confirms sex-differentiated effects of puberty on olfactory sensitivity to steroids.
- Hypothesizes decreased male sensitivity may relate to rising endogenous androstadienone levels.
- Suggests further research with diverse odorants to understand age-related olfactory changes.