AFTER years of wondering why women opt for muscular men over their puny pals, it seems the answer has finally been revealed.

Researchers at Aberdeen University reckon they have found the key to what makes the fairer sex tick.

And hormonal changes might even account for their preferences altering from week to week.

A study carried out by scientists at the university has found women with high levels of testosterone are more attracted to masculine-looking men like James Bond actor Daniel Craig.

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

Boffins at the university’s face research laboratory have carried out the first study into the role testosterone plays in attraction between the sexes.

When men and women were asked during four separate test sessions to choose between different types of faces, researchers found the subjects’ attitudes changed depending on their testosterone level.

Women with higher rates went for tough-looking blokes like Russell Crowe, while the feminine appearance of Lost star Evangeline Lilly was hot on the list for testosterone- fuelled men.

Researcher Dr Lisa Welling said: “Our research shows attraction is affected by fluctuations in testosterone.”

nevans@ajl.co.uk