When we fall in love the brain undergoes changes and releases certain chemical compounds. Scientific research reveals that there are three stages of love (desire, attraction and attachment) that have different chemical processes associated with them. Dr. Farrera Sabioncello, PhD in Psychology from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and member of TibHealth.com, explains the different stages that occur in the brain when falling in love:
Desire stage: when we meet a person we are physically attracted to, desire arises. In this stage, sex hormones and pheromones play the most important role.
Attraction stage: in this stage different symptoms may appear, such as difficulty in falling asleep, loss of appetite, sweating, difficulty in concentrating and the so-called “butterflies in the stomach”. The following monoamines are the “culprits” for these symptoms:
- Dopamine: is released through pleasurable experiences such as sex and food, thus associating with the brain’s pleasure system.
- Phenylethylamine: is known as a natural amphetamine that causes a stimulating effect. It creates a sensation similar to that of attraction, it generates an effect similar to “being in the clouds”, giving enough energy to face the day with the new partner.
- Serotonin: is responsible for counteracting the impulses generated by the previous ones, generating a sense of control, taming 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: in this last stage there is already a certain bond with the other person, so we feel a sense of tranquility and stability. This feeling can be given thanks to the following hormones:
- Oxytocin: known as the “cuddle hormone”. It has been shown that it can influence our ability to get together with other people, since both genders release this hormone when they come into contact, reaching its maximum level during orgasm.
- Vasopressin: known as “the substance of monogamy”. It has been observed that the elimination of this hormone can cause men to be unfaithful to their partners.
- Endorphins: these chemical compounds have anti-stress properties, relieve pain and help improve memory.
The combination of high levels of oxytocin and vasopressin can hinder dopamine and norepinephrine, thus explaining why, over time, the feeling of attachment grows while desire decreases.
But let’s not forget that in love, not everything is chemistry.