In a new study out of the University of Cape Town, South Africa, women who were given doses of testosterone rated pictures of faces as less trustworthy than when they were given a placebo, reports the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Though testosterone is widely known for boosting aggression, researcher Jack van Honk, Ph.D. explains that it’s a hormone that also prompts us to become more dominant and want to rise higher in our social rank. To that end, testosterone may make us more watchful and wary of others and better prepared to defend our resources and status.
So, what’s the takeaway? Since testosterone is highest during Week 2 of a woman’s cycle, you may notice yourself feeling more ambitious as well as a bit skeptical of others’ intentions.
