Cortisol is a hormone that prepares us to act. Schmil, Rissman and three undergraduate students studied the link between sexual behavior in the female musk shrew and subsequent cortisol levels. When a female musk shrew indicates it is ready for sex, cortisol levels significantly increase. Comparably, females that are non-receptive and very aggressive towards their prospective mates exhibit low cortisol levels. The results of the musk shrew studies indicate a new horizon of research and a potential examination of cortisol levels in mammalian reproductive functioning, like humans.
Infertility is really big.
Schmil and Rissman said there is a need for further investigation into the role of cortisol in other insectivores, like the musk shrew, as well as in primates. Research already shows that humans treated with cortisol show arousal and increased sexual excitement. Also, cortisol levels in primates has been proven to be closely related to yearly cycles of sexual behavior. You may not reproduce the contents of this paper in any shape or form without the express written consent of The Cavalier Daily .