Hormones rule the roost: Fluctuations of olfactory functioning throughout the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy

The relationship of olfactory functioning and hormones is complex, and, for the most part, heterogenous. The present study aims to clarify and or define aspects of this relationship by examining how olfactory thresholds fluctuate in relation to changing hormone levels in two populations: menstruating and pregnant women. A longitudinal study was implemented to assess women at two different times. A total of 72 non-pregnant and 7 pregnant women participated in the first assessment, with a total of 62 non-pregnant and all 7 pregnant women returning for the second assessment. During each examination participants had blood drawn and were administered a threshold test. The Wheeler-University of Tennessee at Chattanooga odor threshold test (WUTC) allowed for the measurement of odorant sensitivity of 4 distinct odorants. Hormone levels were analyzed using a method of gradient high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Multiple analyses yielded a conclusion that the changes in estrogen levels influence olfactory ability to an extent that as estrogen levels increase throughout the menstrual cycle or peak during the first trimester of pregnancy, olfactory ability is significantly heightened (p\u3c.05). This research has provided evidence supporting the idea that hormone levels do influence olfactory ability fluctuation during the menstrual cycle and in portions of pregnancy