What Love Does to Your Brain

Is love really a matter of the heart or it is just nature’s way to ensure the continuity of the human species.  Testosterone in the male and oestrogen in the female stimulates the feeling of lust-the first stage of love.  After this stage, attraction takes place.

Researchers have found that when you are attracted to someone, the brain releases a cocktail of chemicals.   The brains releases increased levels of adrenalin, dopamine. Each of these neurotransmitters, together with low levels of serotonin affects you differently.

Adrenalin is released when you are under stress. This is what gives rise to increased heart beats, dry mouth and sweat when you bump into someone you fancy. Dopamine induces an intense feeling of pleasure. It is this “high” feeling that gives you increased levels of energy, focused attention and less need for food. Serotonin levels are low at this stage and this makes you constantly to think the person you are attracted to.

The last stage of love is the bond that keeps couples together long enough to reproduce.  At this attachment stage, oxytocin is released and deepens the bond between couples.  It is also released during childbirth which explains the strong bond between a mother and her baby. Another chemical is vasopressin which is releases after sex. Vasopressin is found to be important for long term commitment.