Friday, March 2, 2012

WOMAN OF THE WEEK: Winnifred B. Cutler, Ph.D. on Pheromones


Dr. Winnifred B. Cutler and her work are highlighted with our distinction, Woman of the Week. This distinction is given to a Woman who has been a leader in Woman’s Issues. 

The correct pronunciation is FAIR-uh-moans. What are pheromones, who has them, and what do they do?

Pheromones were first described in animals. They were described as being a substance that helped to promote the species. But did pheromones exist in humans? Scientific research, backed by a peer-reviewed journal, did not exist until  around 1986. Winnifred Cutler, Ph.D. spearheaded the transition from animal to human research, compiling an excellent summary of her early work done to date in 1999 (1).  Dr. Cutler’s studies on female sexual dysfunction cited several main etiologies: hormone changes leading to pheromone reduction; increased age; and pelvic surgery.

By 2005, there were 4 recognized Classes of Pheromones:

1.              Sex-attractant human pheromones
2.              Recognition mother-infant pheromones
3.              Menstrual synchrony female pheromones
4.              Territorial-marking animal pheromones

A more comprehensive definition is found at Dr. Cutler’s Athena Institute, which offers concise education and treatment information. Not only is her personal work highlighted, but a broad perspective of Pheromones is provided. Additionally, information on her Institute, admissions, and medical school admissions articles are offered. We especially are grateful that this website offers an in-depth highlight on scientific, double-blind, placebo-controlled, peer-reviewed journal publication, which is the Gold Standard of scientific research. Her Pheromone definition is as follows:

“Pheromones are naturally occurring odorless substances the fertile body excretes externally, conveying an airborne signal that provides information to, and triggers responses from, the opposite sex of the same species.”

To aid in pheromone-diminished causes of decreased sexual desire, Dr. Cutler has synthesized topical pheromone cosmetics.

We are thrilled to convey this honor to Dr. Winnifred Cutler, who deserves mention and recognition for devoting a lifetime to clinical and bench research that has been published in scientific, peer-reviewed journals. Hat’s Off to You!

Here is a pasted copy of transcript on her Home Page: __________________________________________________
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Winnifred Cutler, Ph.D.

Founded Athena Institute in 1986


Dr. Winnifred Cutler, B.S. in Psychology Cum Laude from Ursinus College in 1973, earned her Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania in 1979 followed by postdoctoral work in behavioral endocrinology at Stanford University. In 1985 she co-founded the Women's Wellness Program at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She has published over 35 scientific papers, is co-inventor on 5 patents and author of eight books on women's health translated into 7 languages - including her newest book, Hormones and Your Health: The Smart Woman's Guide to Hormonal and Alternative Therapies for Menopause (April 2009) with essential information for women over age 35 to achieve their 'personal-best' health.
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(Hey! Yay! Another colleague from Stanford and the University of Pennsylvania! Both! Yay!)
Dr. Cutler's website may be viewed at www.athenainstitute.com.  Visit! Tweet! Share! 
Make Contact! 
“Women Helping Women”. That is our encouragement for the day! Now Onward & Forward in 2012!



REFERENCE:

(1)  Cutler WB. Human Sex-Attractant Pheromones: Discovery, Research, Development, and Application in Sex Therapy. Psychiatric Annals: Vol: 29(1), pp 54-59; 1999.

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