New Scientist: ‘Sexy’ voice gives fertile women away

The pair recorded women counting from 1 to 10 at four occasions during their menstrual cycle. They then replayed the recordings at random to male and female students and asked them to rate the attractiveness of the voices. Both males and females judged the women’s voices to be most attractive if they were recorded during the peak fertility period of the menstrual cycle, and less attractive if they were recorded during non-fertile periods (Evolution and Human Behavior, DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2008.02.001).

The results are in line with evidence that the female voice box, or larynx, is under the influence of sex hormones, says Gallup. He says the changes in the female voice during peak fertility support the view that women are “different” at that point in the menstrual cycle - in other words, that they experience oestrus.

“Changes in the attractiveness of a woman’s voice during peak fertility support the view that women experience oestrus”

The theory of human oestrus remains controversial because its effects are subtle; human females show none of the distinct genital swellings seen in other female mammals “in heat”. But there is increasing evidence of more subtle changes. “Other differences include changes in sexual receptivity and odour sensitivity,” Gallup says.

Anyone surprised? Nope. When will we finally accept that our biology plays and important part in our social life’s. Many aspects of human behavior are influenced by our urge to procreate. We need a Sexual Revolution 3.0 that includes, respects and integrates such insights into our society and lifestyle.

Plus for the Ladies: For Some Women, ‘Deep, Manly’ Voices Go a Long Way (According to Study, Deeper Vocals Attract More Women).