What is the Vandenbergh effect?

The Vandenbergh effect, discussed by Andrew Huberman, refers to a phenomenon in which exposure to the scent of a sexually mature male triggers earlier puberty in a prepubescent female of the same species. This effect involves the accessory olfactory pathway, responsible for processing pheromones. Dr. Huberman explains that in animals like rodents and some primates, this effect is well-documented. For example, a prepubescent female exposed to the scent or urine of a sexually mature male will enter puberty earlier than she would have otherwise 1.

While the Vandenbergh effect is clear in these animals, the occurrence of similar pheromonal effects in humans is controversial and less understood. Although there is some evidence suggesting weak pheromonal effects in humans, such as synchronization of menstrual cycles or the ability to detect a partner's scent, much more research is needed to confirm these findings 2.