When we fall in love our brain undergoes changes and releases chemicals.

Scientific research reveals the existence of three stages in love -desire, attraction and attachment-, each associated with different chemical processes.

• Desire or lust stage: when we meet a person that attracts us physically desire and craving for sexual gratification arises. This stage is associated with sex hormones, such as estrogens and androgens, as well as pheromones.

• Attraction Stage: also known as “obsessive” or “passionate” love, a person at this stage may experience multiple symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, sweating, difficulty concentrating, and “butterflies” in his o her stomach.

The monoamines behind these symptoms are:

– Dopamine: hormone associated with pleasurable experiences, such as sex and food.

– Phenylethylamine: known as a natural amphetamine with a stimulating effect that creates a similar sensation to attraction, causing one to feel a great desire to be with a potential partner.

– Serotonin: responsible for countering pulses generated by the above hormones, as it generates a sense of control and calms impulses and obsessive behaviors.

– Norepinephrine: unlike serotonin, it excites the body providing natural adrenaline, thus making the heart beat faster and increasing blood pressure.

• Attachment stage: at this final stage there is already a bond existing with the other person so we experience a sense of calmness, security, comfort and emotional union. These feelings are mainly attributed to the following hormones:

– Oxytocin: known as the “cuddling hormone”, it has been shown to have a major role in bonding with other people since both genders release this hormone when in contact, reaching its peak during orgasm.

– Vasopressin: known as “the hormone of monogamy”, research has shown that low levels of this hormone has an influence in men’s tendency to be unfaithful to their partners.

– Endorphins: hormones with anti-stress properties that help relieve pain and improve memory.

The combination of high levels of oxytocin and vasopressin may hinder dopamine and norepinephrine, thus explaining why over time the feeling of attachment grows as the desire decreases.

But not everything is chemistry in love …

Dra. Sandra Farrera

Translation: Laura Mateu-Psycotherapist

PsicologiaBcn