Human axillary extracts: Analysis of compounds from samples which influence menstrual timing

Previous studies have shown that menstrual cycle length and fertility are affected by a regular pattern of either: (1) intimate contact with men; or (2) contact with extracts from male axillary secretions; and (3) the axillary extracts of women. Experiments utilizing axillary extracts employed a controlled, double-blind research design using either extract or placebo. The study reported here employed quantitative gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques to determine the concentration of several steroids in the male and female axillary secretion extracts. The steroids examined were: androsterone sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and the volatile steroid androstenol. The results suggest the following: (1) The concentration of androstenol produced by secretion donors varied during the collection period. Males appear to produce more androstenol at certain times; women's secretions show a menstrual variation in androstenol; the highest concentrations of this compound appear to be produced in the midfollicular phase, prior to ovulation. (2) The concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is significantly greater in men than in women. (3) In addition to the steroids, a series of aliphatic acids which range from C2 to C18 in chain length were found. The more volatile members of this series may contribute to the odor of the secretions.