Love Hormones: Unraveling the Veracity of the Science of Love

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Love is a universally acknowledged feeling. Several years ago, Helen Fisher, a biological anthropologist researched in 166 societies, and in 147 societies, she found evidence of romantic love.

Although poetry and philosophy have thrown light on love and its several aspects, love is not limited to these subjects. Love is certainly more than poetry, fiction, and idealism. Love has been explained by many thinkers who ponder on life and its philosophical aspect.

How does love happen? How long does it take to fall in love scientifically?

Surprisingly, science has a lot to say about the science behind love.

According to the science of love, there are some hormones in humans that cause attraction, lust, euphoria, and pleasure, and a lot more. The dysfunction of any of these hormones can cause a lack of either of the feelings stated above.

The body contains several chemicals; hence the chemistry of love needs to be intensely considered. So, love is just a chemical reaction. Further, we intend to reveal the intricacies of the science of love, and here is the answer to  How does love works.

The catalysts of lust

Lust isn’t something to be ashamed of.

It is something that no human can wash their hands-off. It can be seen as one of the key factors that compel human beings and animals, in general, to reproduce. This emotion is directed by sex hormones.

Since some hormones cause one to be lustful, there is no harm in it. Though lust should never be excessive; if it exceeds, it is an alarming sign.

The prime catalysts of lust, according to the science of love, are estrogen and testosterone. Let’s know more about them and their key role in the science of love.

Estrogen

The phase of sexual gratification is primarily driven by estrogen. Estrogen is the science behind attraction and longing for physical attraction. It is also known to maintain vaginal health. 

When one’s estrogen is reactive, one builds on their lust, and the limbic process that takes place in the brain due to estrogen works as a stress-reliever. 

Testosterone

Testosterone exists in equal quantity in both genders. It helps boost the lustful instincts, and when one’s brain responds to these instincts, it helps them de-stress. According to the research, they reach their peak during adulthood and drop at a rate of 1% every year once the person reaches the age of 40

High levels of testosterone provide a drive for sexual desire and seductiveness. 

The scientific causes of attraction

Attraction, at times, becomes inevitable for humans as their hormones begin to conduct themselves.

The attraction is a very important feature in terms of dating and relationships. The first thing that happens between two souls or two bodies is an attraction, and it takes the rest forward.

As per the science of love, the prime catalysts of attraction are: 

Adrenaline

Whenever you come across your beloved, you feel you are overly elated, and your senses have stopped responding. It is because of the movement of your adrenaline. 

Adrenaline makes the heart beat faster. The release of adrenaline also causes nervousness and anxiety. Proverbially, this can be associated with the feeling of ‘butterflies in the stomach.’

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that generates functional magnetic resonance imaging. The extraordinary euphoria you experience bumping into your crush is caused by this hormone. 

The effects of dopamine are similar to the euphoric effects of cocaine. When the person falls in love, a feeling of euphoria that is activated is done through this hormone.

Serotonin

Now, this is the culprit one, just in a lighter vein!

When you are unable to concentrate on anything other than your crush, this hormone is giving you a tough time.

The scientific causes of commitment and attachment

What is love in science?

Attachment and lust can be temporary yet joyful, but there is something that keeps you stable as well as exuberant. what are the love hormones? The long-term commitment is also a part of love, and according to the science of love, it has some hormones giving rise to it. 

Vasopressin

It is another hormone that promises long-term attachment between the two people. It is one of the strongest and muscular hormones that leave a long-lasting impact of gratification and fondness.

Endorphins

Endorphins play a significant role in giving you a good and relieving feeling. They act as body painkillers and help you feel soothed and peaceful. For long term relationships, endorphins are what causes love and help you feel secure.

Endorphins act like opiates. They give us a feeling of attachment and comfort and all that people relate to romantic love. During sex or physical contact, the body releases endorphins.

Oxytocin

OT has a lot of gravity as it ascertains depth and intensity between lovers.

During sex, this hormone is oftentimes released by both men and women. In this way, sex also propels two people to remain in a long-term and committed relationship.  

The video below discusses the role of oxytocin in love. It shares the chemical formula of love and how the lack of it causes a lack of concentration. Know more:

According to psychology

Amongst the stages of love psychology, the toughest one is the third one described above: commitment.

People tend to change their direction like the moving wind when it comes to committing to one person for the entire life. As per the science of love and psychology, attraction and lust are more spontaneous and rapid. These two sensations come and go like anything. Commitment due to Vasopressin and Oxytocin is something people rarely experience.

To grasp the science of love better, you are suggested to take a read of some science of love quotes. They will make you breeze through the whole concept.