There are several chemicals in our body and brain, including hormones
and neurotransmitters, that make up the neurochemical feeling of love.
There are two primary parts to love, which are attraction and
attachment. Each of these involves a different “chemical cocktail.”
Certain areas of the brain light up when you are experiencing love in
various stages.
What brain areas are involved in love?
The brain is split into a left and right hemispheres,
each having different functions. The right hemisphere is accountable
for feelings, creativity, imagination and holistic thinking. The left
hemisphere is accountable for logic, reasoning, planning and analytic
thought. It is asserted within science that the right hemisphere is the
area of love.
We know from brain-imaging studies that two main
areas of the brain become active when someone experiences romantic love.
The first are the foci in the media insula (also associated with
instinct), and the other is the anterior cingulate cortex which produces
euphoric feelings.
Together, these brain areas are responsible for making the feeling of being in love a very happy and natural thing.
In
the earlier stages of love, other brain areas such as the caudate
nucleus and the ventral tegmental areas become active. These areas are
flooded with dopamine which is what makes love feel like being “high.”
Dopamine is also referred to as the “love drug” as it can seem
addictive.
What brain chemicals are involved in attraction?
The early stages of love
are filled with infatuation, lust, and desire. Lust is regulated by our
primary sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone. Desire involved our
entire bodies as it contains a rush of adrenaline (epinephrine), the
same chemicals involved in the fight or flee response. A similar
physiological reaction takes place that increases the heart rate and
alertness, dilates the pupils and stimulates the sweat glands.
When
experiencing romantic love, there is an increase in three central
neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Serotonin
surges, influencing feelings of infatuation. Dopamine is released as
well. This influences the integration of emotion and thinking. It also
stimulates the hypothalamus into releasing sex hormones. Dopamine is
also triggered by excitement, novelty and risk-taking. Dopamine and
norepinephrine together also produces euphoric and addictive feelings.
What brain chemicals are involved in attachment?
After
the initial “falling in love” stage, people start to feel more relaxed
and comfortable in the presence of their partner. When the relationship
has more stability, other brain chemicals such as oxytocin and
vasopressin, begin to take over.
Oxytocin, also named the “cuddle
hormone,” is released after sex and physical affection. It is involved
in feelings of closeness and intimacy. Oxytocin is released through
touch such as kissing, stroking, and hugging as well. It is also
released through talking to our partners which is why communication is
critical to the long term success of a relationship. In fact, oxytocin
is fundamental to sustaining lifelong romantic attachments.
Vasopressin,
also known as the “monogamy hormone,” influences couples to be faithful
to one another. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibiting
vasopressin causes couples to become less devoted to one another.
There
is no doubt that love is a biologically driven emotion. The concoction
of these different chemicals varies depending on which relationship
phase someone is currently experiencing. The feel-good chemical like
serotonin and dopamine dominates the earlier stages. The later stages of
deeper love within a relationship are characterized by bonding,
intimacy and often monogamy. In this stage, the brain releases oxytocin
and vasopressin. We can conclude from science that love is not a
mystery after all and we have a lot of information about how
long-lasting and deeply loving relationships are sustained over the long
term.
By Marni Feuerman
Marriage Expert
