OPINION PAGE
Don’t Get Fooled by Your Hormones! (Chemistry of Love)
By: Raymond Sucgang
DON’T GET FOOLED BY YOUR HORMONES. THE CHEMISTRY OF LOVE….
Love, a powerful emotion, has intrigued scientists, poets, and philosophers for centuries. While it has been depicted in literature and art, modern science, particularly biochemistry, has begun to uncover the intricate biochemical processes that underpin the experience of love. Understanding love from a biochemical perspective reveals that it is a complex combination of hormones, neurotransmitters, and other molecular factors that shape our emotions, behaviors, and physical sensations. This discussion will explore the biochemical pathways involved in love and how they relate to phenomena like attraction, attachment, and romantic relationships, especially in the context of a day like Valentine’s Day.
1. The Stages of Love and Their Biochemistry
Love can be broken down into several stages, each associated with different biochemical reactions:
a. Attraction (Initial Phase)
Attraction, often considered the “honeymoon phase,” is marked by intense emotions, excitement, and euphoria. It is driven largely by the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Dopamine is released in response to cues associated with romantic partners or physical attraction, stimulating feelings of happiness and desire. Alongside dopamine, norepinephrine (or noradrenaline) is released, which can cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms, and the “butterfly” feeling in the stomach. This stage is marked by heightened arousal and focus on the romantic partner.
b. Romantic Love and Bonding
Once initial attraction settles into deeper affection, the brain releases oxytocin, sometimes called the “love hormone” or “bonding hormone.” Oxytocin plays a crucial role in forming long-term attachments, and it is particularly important in the formation of romantic and sexual bonds. Released during moments of physical touch, such as hugging, kissing, or sexual activity, oxytocin fosters feelings of trust, security, and deep emotional connection. In women, it is also released during childbirth and breastfeeding, contributing to maternal bonding.
Additionally, serotonin, another neurotransmitter, comes into play during romantic love. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to obsessive thoughts about the loved one, which is why people may feel preoccupied or “obsessed” with their partner during the early stages of romance.
c. Long-Term Attachment and Commitment
As relationships mature, the chemistry shifts from passion and obsession to stable affection and long-term commitment. In this phase, vasopressin, a hormone related to oxytocin, becomes important. Vasopressin has been shown to promote monogamous behaviors in both animals and humans by increasing feelings of bonding and attachment. This phase of attachment is crucial for sustaining long-term relationships and ensuring that partners continue to invest in one another over time.
2. Hormones and Neurotransmitters Involved in Love
Several key molecules are involved in the biochemistry of love:
a. Dopamine
Dopamine is responsible for the feelings of pleasure and reward that we associate with love and attraction. This neurotransmitter helps reinforce behaviors that promote bonding, encouraging individuals to pursue romantic relationships. When we are in love, dopamine levels are high, making us feel euphoric and excited.
b. Oxytocin
Oxytocin is crucial in maintaining long-term emotional connections. It facilitates the formation of trust and attachment between individuals. This hormone is also instrumental in social bonding and can help reduce stress, increase feelings of empathy, and create a sense of well-being. Its release during physical contact, such as hugging or kissing, strengthens the emotional connection between partners.
c. Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine is responsible for the physical “rush” we feel when we fall in love. It increases heart rate and blood pressure, contributing to the excitement and energy we experience during the initial stages of a romantic relationship.
d. Serotonin
Serotonin levels fluctuate during the stages of love. In the early stages, serotonin levels tend to decrease, which may explain why people in love often experience obsessive thoughts and feel “out of balance.” Over time, serotonin levels stabilize, contributing to a more stable emotional state within a relationship.
e. Endorphins
Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, are released during moments of deep affection and bonding. These chemicals help to promote feelings of happiness and contentment. Endorphins are often associated with the sense of well-being that develops over time in long-term, committed relationships.
