Only ever happens with close female friends, but I’ve identified the smell from regular standing conversation distance away with friends I haven’t seen for weeks and don’t otherwise know their cycle.
I think I somewhere read, but unrelated to ovulating, that this was made by nature to find suitable partners. Probably that natural smell is intensified by ovulating.
edit: And to be honest: I never told anyone before that I sometimes sense this different smell and I'm not sure I should. Women could probably feel uncomfortable and think their smell is somehow "bad" when others can sense it. Not sure.
Asking the women whether your perception is true would likely have led nowhere as most women are not aware of their fertile phases.
Search keyword seems to be ‚copulins‘, but the area appears a bit underexplored. Lots of companies trying to sell snake oil. Lots of urban legends about mind control. Some girls do try using their natural perfume to their advantage though.
The thing about compatibility you mention is more related to the immune system I think, and mutual.
I have a tendency to associate with alternative types who are aware of their cycle and are happy to talk about it, and have confirmed my observation by asking on multiple occasions.
Our culture and schooling doesn't encourage the development of the subtle senses.
It's another example of what's lost working virtually.
It's not an advantage knowing why the person smells the way they do. Just what to do.
https://businessinsider.com/women-more-attractive-during-ovu...
There are very strong relationships between couples and known smell genetics. (I think being different is good?)
It's an interesting question how deodorant has changed our genes.
The cherry on top of your out-of-this-world comment. Do you know and/or keep track of some of your friends' cycles ?