Researchers at the University of California have conducted a study on the changes in hormone levels which occur in men when they interact with pretty women.  Psychologists found that after a 5 minute talk with an attractive woman, testosterone levels rise by 14% and cortisol by 48%.  Testosterone is linked with male libido, health and well being and leads to an energy boost.  Cortisol raises alertness and calms the nerves.  Together Testosterone and Cortisol give the effect of feeling more alive.  In other words there is a feel good factor at play.

149 male students between the ages of 18 and 24 were tested in the experiment.  One third of the participants spoke to a male researcher and this group experienced a drop of between 2 to 7% in their hormone levels. The remaining students spoke with young female undergraduates and this group experienced the beneficial effects of raised hormone levels.

A further point of interest is that testosterone levels in men diminish as they get older and men in long term relationships have lower levels than men still “playing the field”.  So if you are a man the message seems to be, stop talking to your male friends, dump your long term partner and find pretty young women to talk to!

Good luck with that!!