Life would not exist without love. The mental state of love can be characterized as involving the same brain chemicals that lead to drug addiction.
In the beginning, it could seem simple. But the emergence of an enduring love is aided by a confluence of physiological hormones and intricate psychological relationships. This emotion was described as “an emergent trait of an ancient cocktail of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters” in a study from 2009.
According to researcher Helen Fisher, there are three stages to falling in love. A certain group of hormones controls each category. These are what they are:
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Lust
Lust is the precursor to love. This is a crucial component of love. A condition of extreme sexual enjoyment toward another person is known as lust. Our innate human desire to mate and have children with a partner contributes to the development of this emotion. Some indications of lust include:
- You’re concentrating on their physical attributes and appearance.
- You don’t care about dialogues; just sex interests you.
- You don’t want to talk about your true emotions.
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Passion/Attraction
At this point, we start to have irrational thoughts and idealize our partner. Excitation, a desire for emotional connection, and intrusive thoughts are all factors in attraction. According to a 2000 study, people value their physical appearance, and different people and cultures find different qualities to be attractive. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and phenylethylamine are the three brain chemicals responsible for controlling passion. Attraction, not love, is what makes us feel happy when we first meet someone. Love is a fleeting emotion. But attraction might wane with time. For instance, you might find someone attractive because of their talent, charisma, or beauty, but love goes beyond these things. The brain’s hippocampus, hypothalamus, and anterior cingulate cortex are primarily responsible for controlling attraction. When stimulated, these areas can greatly reduce defensiveness and anxiety while boosting trust in a love partner.
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Identification and dedication
The passion you once shared has now evolved into attachment to your significant other. The hormones oxytocin, endorphins, and antidiuretic hormones are in charge of this stage. According to a 2000 study, people value their physical appearance, and different people and cultures find different qualities to be attractive. Norepinephrine, dopamine, and phenylethylamine are the three brain chemicals responsible for controlling passion. Attraction, not love, is what makes us feel happy when we first meet someone. Love is a fleeting emotion. But attraction might wane with time. For instance, you might find someone attractive because of their talent, charisma, or beauty, but love goes beyond these things. The brain’s hippocampus, hypothalamus, and anterior cingulate cortex are primarily responsible for controlling attraction. When stimulated, these areas can greatly reduce defensiveness and anxiety while boosting trust in a love partner.
4. Identification and dedication
The passion you once shared has now evolved into attachment to your significant other. The hormones oxytocin, endorphins, and antidiuretic hormones are in charge of this stage. According to a 2001 study, sexual behaviour has a significant role in the reinforcement of the reward system, which affects the reinforcing of attachment. Additionally, the brain’s dopamine levels rise as a result of this. Long-lasting love and relationships can be developed thanks to oxytocin’s ability to foster trust and connection. Love typically loses its intensity over time, yet attachment endures and makes you feel safer and more secure.
Biological Basis of Love
When someone views their significant other as distinct and special, the first stage of love has begun. This emotion is then followed by concentrated attention, exaggeration of traits, and ignoring or downplaying of flaws. According to a 2004 study, it causes the brain’s reward system to become more active, which lowers emotional judgement, fear, and depression while also boosting mood. According to a 2006 study, this stage is characterised by emotional reliance, empathy, self-sacrifice, and compulsive thought. There is also a craving for sex. However, the great urge for sex could be overcome by the desire for emotional closeness. Estrogen and testosterone are the two hormones that are most important in determining our sex drive. These two hormones are in charge of controlling our passion and sexual desire. It has also been observed that when someone you love rejects you, you first experience fury and protest, which are later followed by hopelessness.
A study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) shows that the involvement of areas linked to motivation and goal-oriented behaviour in romantic love reveals that it is a main motivation system that initiates the human mate-seeking urge. The survival of our species is the main objective of love from an evolutionary perspective.
Biological Chemicals
Initial indicators of falling in love include restless nights, a longing to be with the other person, and a racing heart. These are brought on by specific brain neurochemicals. Here are a few of them:
1. Norepinephrine
According to a 2007 study, the hormone and neurotransmitter norepinephrine controls the generation of adrenaline. The rush of adrenaline we feel throughout a romantic relationship is what produces the racing heart, sweaty palms, and flushed cheeks. According to a 2018 study 8, norepinephrine excess can cause enhanced happiness or a decrease of appetite. This hormone causes feelings of euphoria and bliss, as well as increased energy, irregular eating and sleeping patterns, and a laser-like focus on your new relationship.
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Dopamine
When we feel good, dopamine, the happy hormone, is released in our brains. Eating, exercising, and reading your favourite books are some of the activities that boost the production of dopamine. Dopamine significantly influences the brain functions that control our capacity for emotion and pleasure expression. Dopamine neurons and social behaviour are strongly related processes. People with social anxiety have reduced dopamine levels, according to a 2013 study. Norepinephrine cannot have any physiologic consequences without dopamine. The brain’s pleasure system is connected to dopamine receptors, which are activated by this chemical. This increases the euphoria and emotions of happiness.
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Phenylethylamine
The butterflies in the stomach we get when we are around our lovers are caused by phenylethylamine. According to a 2014 study, when we first feel attracted to someone, our brain releases a lot of phenylethylamine. Dopamine and endorphin synthesis are also regulated by this hormone. These are also to blame for our feelings of euphoria and vigour.
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Oxytocin
The neurotransmitter oxytocin, sometimes known as the “love hormone,” is linked to the development of relationships, sex, trust, and empathy. During kissing and orgasm, oxytocin levels are increased. Intestinal issues, anxiety, and sadness are just a few of the illnesses that it can help address, according to a 2008 study. The hypothalamus makes this neurotransmitter. According to a 1997 study, a rise in oxytocin during pregnancy and nursing may help women feel less apprehensive around their newborns and be more able to feel and express their love for them.
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Vasopressin
We could start to feel signs of falling out of love once the initial stages of passion and lust are through. Vasopressin, an antidiuretic hormone, is responsible for this. This hormone makes you want to bond with and take care of your mate. Because of how it interacts with the male sex hormone testosterone, a 2015 study 13 discovered that it also has powerful effects on males.
Love’s Complex Chemistry
Some people might think that love is a complicated synthesis of hormones and molecules, while others see it as a supernatural intervention. The bliss of love could wane over time. However, it’s crucial to understand that it’s all in our thoughts. Choices and hormones combine intricately in love. Without the other, the first cannot happen.
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