Testosterone levels 'affect sexual attraction'

Women with high levels of testosterone are more attracted to masculine-looking men like James Bond actor Daniel Craig, scientists said today.

Meanwhile men, whose levels of the hormone are increased, are more attracted to feminine faces like Hollywood actress Natalie Portman.

Researchers at Aberdeen University Face Research Laboratory carried out the first study into the role testosterone plays in attraction between the sexes.

During the study, men and women completed four test sessions each conducted a week apart. In each session volunteers provided a saliva sample which was used to measure testosterone levels.

Researchers found that when asked to choose between different types of faces in each session, the subjects' attitudes changed depending on their testosterone level.

Dr Ben Jones, a psychology lecturer at the university, said: "Since masculine men and feminine women are thought to produce the healthiest children and sex drive is higher when testosterone levels are also high, these findings suggest that men and women in hormonal states where their interest in sex is highest show stronger attraction to high-quality - or healthy - mates."

Fellow researcher Dr Lisa Welling said: "We tend to think that attraction is relatively stable over time.

"However, our research shows that attraction is affected by fluctuations in testosterone levels."

The researchers will discuss their findings on Thursday in a public lecture at the university.