Can the claims of hormone-enhanced perfumes and colognes be believed? Do pheromones work in making dating easier and more successful? The jury is still out on this matter, as scientist continue to examine all kinds of living organisms and people continue to have differing opinions.

Science does know that pheromones exist and that they do work in many social situations in all sorts of organisms, from bacteria to insects to sea creatures. Androgynous bacteria lay 'scent' trails that others of the species can follow, female butterflies can attract males from as much as six miles away, and sea urchins release detectable amounts of hormones into the surrounding waters during breeding season. The species-specific secretions have been studied for the different signals they can send.

The question is whether or not these secretions can be isolated, mixed with carrier oils or other substances, and used topically to any real effect. It is now commercially viable to use this sort of hormone in pest control products, and there are many valuable, ecologically-friendly products in general use. This success which lends validity to the use of attraction and repelling hormones would seem to indicate that the substances do work when separated from their original hosts.

After all, if sonar works for bats and dolphins and also for the world's naval forces, why would it not be true that sex hormones that attract mates in the insect world would signal similar actions at work on the human level? It is known that some individuals seem to have potent 'sex appeal' that physical appearance alone does not account for. There are people who keep their attraction to the opposite sex long after their first bloom of youth has faded.

Some suspect that the effects of this type of hormone is fleeting - too much so to be captured in a topical scent. However, it is true that those pest controls are effective when suspended in balls and bags from trees, without repeated and frequent applications. Testimonials, easy to find online, show that there are many people who feel that the products have enhanced their dating experiences and opened up avenues to meet new people that might never otherwise have been found.

Go online and survey the many offerings, generally considered safe, ethical (all's fair in love and war?), and with anecdotal support. Choose an application that appeals to you, and give it a try, so you may get your own answer to the question: Do pheromones work?