The effect of pleasant odors and hormone status on mood of women at midlife.

The effect of odors on the mood of 56 women ranging in age from 45 to 60 years was determined using the POMS (Profile of Mood States). The 56 subjects were divided into four groups of 14 subjects each on the basis of hormonal status. Group 1 consisted of 14 women who were still menstruating; group 2 consisted of 14 women who were no longer menstruating and taking estrogen; group 3 consisted of 14 women who were no longer menstruating and taking estrogen and progesterone; and, group 4 consisted of 14 women who were no longer menstruating and taking no hormone replacement. Use of pleasant odors significantly improved scores on tension, depression, and confusion factors. In addition, women using estrogen replacement with or without progesterone had better mood scores than those who did not, which is consistent with previous studies.