DianeRoss500

if you can, could you post URL of those studies. I'm curious.

The human vomeronasal organ The vomeronasal organ develops in utero. Nerve fibers emerge from the developing organ and travel towards the brain. This is a crucial step in the development of the reproductive system: as of puberty, gonad functioning depends on hormonal secretion by the anterior hypophysis, and this is governed by peptide GnRH secreting cells in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Embryologically, these GnRH secreting cells derive from the olfactory placode, from which the olfactory and vomeronasal organs develop, and migrate along the vomeronasal axons toward the brain [23]. In humans, defective GnRH cell migration induces hypogonadotropic hypogonadism syndrome (LH and FSH pituitary hormone secretion defect), which is associated with absence or aplasia of the olfactory bulbs, orbitofrontal cortex alteration in the olfactory sulcus and reduction in or absence of olfactory sensitivity. After this initial development, however, the vomeronasal organ regresses, leaving only a few vestiges in adults [24,25]. Following Jacobson in the 19th century, Kölliker [26] and then Potiquet detailed the position of the vomeronasal cavities in adults: on base of the nasal partition above the foot, near the vomer bone. The cavity openings are now clearly visible on endoscopy (Fig. 2A) in some but not all individuals [25]. Histologic examination finds an internal canal of variable length, extending back and covered with ciliary epithelium with numerous underlying glands (Fig. 2 . Compared to in other mammals, the general structure shows many signs of regression: notably, absence of any veins or turgescent tissue able to produce active pumping. Immunohistochemistry confirms the absence of epithelial receptor neurons and even of underlying nerve fibers that might allow neural information to be transported to the brain [25]. With contrast medium injection, the cavities can be visualized on CT (Fig. 2C and D), at the base of the septum, above the foot of the partition. Read more: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187972961100010X

then what do they use? all other animals that have been shown to be influenced by pheromones sense pheromones by that organ ( Vomeronasal organ)

if the organ is not working in humans, then how is it possible to sense pheromones at all?

The only flaw I see in that the study is that we don't know if tears truly are identical in smell to saline water (which is the controls sniffed). If there are other aromatic compounds in tears not found in saline water, then the decrease in testosterone could be due to association. Also, i'd like to see how men behave to the tears of other men, as well tears of other species.

Thanks, Midnight! The more science, the better. You're a great teacher!

wow, that's amazing. Yes, i believe what you say about the shadiness is true. Do you have a CPA? it seems tough do anything in accounting these days without it. Also, what do you think about the future of accounting, given all the automation and all?

OP, I think you should go do physical exercise with your guy. Careful, sometimes rigorous exercise can trigger PTSD symptoms, but the brain-enhancing effects of exercise are well studied and documented. Maybe you could both do a dance class together - romantic, fun, and could help the guy

A neuroscientist in the room! awesome! I read that humans lack the gland to perceive phermones in the nose, so it's physiologically impossible for humans to react to pheromones - at least that's what researchers think for now

Ok, thanks Dolly. You sound incredibly smart. Do you have your own tax practice and/or CPA? I'm considering that route...

I respect your opinion, but how do you know it's not just the placebo effect? Just wondering

Are you an accountant? Accounting makes me blue, too. lol

There is no absolutely no credible research that show that pheromones are effective on HUMAN behavior or mood. For aromatherapy, your best bet is anything with citrus or lavender or vanilla. There is a lot of promising evidence that physical exercise can help stimulate the brain to heal itself. I would urge him to buy this book: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1499505337&sr=8-4&keywords=PTSD I'm dealing with PTSD myself, and it really is the hardest thing ever. It's like my subconscious brain just won't let you forget the horrors even when you believe it's irrational