Ahhh, Valentine’s Day. The annual tribute to lovers young and old.
As you celebrated this special occasion according to your own preferences, you are probably not thinking about the neurochemicals that made this day possible.
That’s right. Just as the commercial slogan goes, “better living through chemistry”, so it is with the process of falling in love. If it were not for the actions of several prominent neurotransmitters and hormones, we would not celebrate Valentine’s Day at all. Without this cascade of chemical reactions, we would probably even have failed to continue as a species, since it stimulates mutual attraction that has historically led to procreation.
At the first sight of someone that is attractive to us, our brain secretes an extra shot of a chemical called phenethylamine (PEA). This chemical has a number of effects on the brain, in particular increasing the rate of glycogen breakdown which creates a spike in energy production. It also effectively reduces depression and suppresses pain. Watch people smitten with the love bug and see if you recognize the effects of this reaction.
PEA has even been called the “molecule of love” by one biochemical researcher. Theresa L Crenshaw M.D. in her book “The Alchemy of Love and Lust” does an extraordinarily good job of explaining how the body reacts to emotional responses and indeed how some emotions are actually created by chemical stimuli.
PEA also stimulates the release of adrenaline, speeding up the heart, and in some ways interferes with logical thought. Some speculate that this is a reason the lovebirds are often caught up in a wave of emotional turmoil and are incapable of “thinking straight”.
PEA may be a featured player in the biochemistry of love but doesn’t act alone. Just as the featured clarinet in a New Orleans jazz band needs the accompaniment of the other instruments, PEA is one of many key brain chemicals involved in the love formula.
The dominant role of PEA doesn’t last forever. The effect of this important initiator begins to fade after a few months. At this stage of romance, either the relationship begins to develop into a more subtly fulfilling bond or fade away. During the next phase of love endorphins are more responsible for the pleasant feeling of being around the object of your attention.
During the second stage of love the sound of your lover’s voice, a familiar scent, or the sight of even a photograph can trigger a substantial release of endorphins that provide a sense of contentment and satisfaction. That is why lovers tend to feel everything is all right when there partner is nearby. This is also why some couples tend to want to spend every minute together. Their mutual presence induces the flow of these powerful endorphins which can be somewhat addictive.
Robert Palmer had it right in his signature hit “Addicted to Love”. The song lyrics begin with “Your lights are on, but you’re not home. Your mind is not your own.” and end with the refrain of “Might as well face it, you’re addicted to love.” In fact, the brain’s reactions to PEA do create “lights are on but nobody’s home” type of mental distraction that is so common among infatuated people. And the body’s response to the endorphins can be as powerful as many addictive substances.
Sometimes the brain is so preoccupied by these influential neurotransmitters that persons newly in love can think of nothing else but when they will next see their object of affection.
In addition to the brain chemicals involved with love, hormones such as testosterone and oxytocin are activated as well.
Various drugs can negatively impact the feeling of love, closeness, and sensual arousal. Many anti-depressants interfere with dopamine and other chemicals involved with the experience of love. In addition to blocking the mood swings that lead to emotional lows, they can block the highs, too, such as the satisfying or euphoric feelings that are associated with love.
In all, hundreds of chemicals play a significant role in the sensations and bodily processes related to being in love. I hope your chemistry was perfect for an enjoyable Valentines Day. |
Email
Print
Facebook
StumbleUpon
Google
Yahoo!