The Biology of Love: What Happens in Our Brains When We Fall in Love?
Love is one of the most powerful forces in the universe. It can lead us to incredible heights of joy and also to devastating depths of sorrow. But what exactly happens in our brains when we fall in love? Here, we explore the science of love in depth, uncovering what’s happening in our brains when we’re swept off our feet by love.
How the Brain Works
To understand what happens in the brain when we fall in love, first we need to understand the basics of how the brain works. Here’s a brief overview:
- The Brain is Divided Into Four Regions
The brain is divided into four regions: the hippocampus, the basal ganglia, the neo-cortex, and the limbic system. The hippocampus is responsible for putting memories into long-term storage, while the basal ganglia process incoming information. The neo-cortex specializes in complex reasoning, and the limbic system is the seat of emotions.
- The Brain is Wired for Pleasure
The brain is wired for pleasure, which helps us survive and mate. Pleasurable feelings activate the reward and pleasure centers of the brain, releasing hormones such as dopamine and endorphin.
- The Brain Has a Rulebook
The brain has a rulebook in place- the Central Nervous System (CNS)- which regulates the body’s movements and responses.
The Biology of Love
So now that we have a brief understanding of how the brain works, let’s take a look at the biology of love – what happens in our brains when we fall in love:
- The Brain is Drenched in Dopamine
When we fall head over heels for someone, our brains are flooded with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation and reward. Dopamine is responsible for the euphoria we feel when we’re in love.
- The Brain is Abuzz with Serotonin
In addition to dopamine, the brain is abuzz with serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with wellbeing, happiness and contentment. High levels of serotonin can make us feel more alive and energetic.
- Oxytocin is Released
Another hormone released during love is oxytocin, also known as the “bonding hormone.” Oxytocin promotes feelings of attachment and closeness, and can even promote physical touch between individuals. It’s no wonder it’s often referred to as a “love hormone.”
- Chemical Changes Increase Sexual Attraction
As we fall in love, changes occur in our brains which increase sexual attraction. This includes a decrease in the hormone testosterone (which decreases sexual attraction) and an increase in estrogen (which increases sexual attraction). Additionally, the brain’s prefrontal cortex- the area responsible for decision making- is less active when we’re in love.
The Role of Hormones
Clearly, hormones play a crucial role in the biology of love. Let’s take a closer look at the hormones involved:
- Dopamine
As we touched on above, dopamine is released during first love, creating the intense euphoria so familiar to those falling in love.
- Serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with contentment, relaxation and happiness. When we’re in love, our serotonin levels are elevated, creating a feeling of increased wellbeing.
- Adrenaline
Adrenaline is a hormone directly connected to the “fight or flight” response. When we’re in love, the body releases adrenaline, increasing the heart rate and creating feelings of excitement and anticipation.
- Oxytocin
Oxytocin is also known as the “love hormone.” Released at high levels during long-term relationships, it helps to create feelings of comfort and attachment.
- Endorphin
Endorphin is a hormone associated with wellbeing, pleasure and a sense of security. It is released during undemanding physical contact, such as hugging and cuddling.
Love is a complex emotion, with a complicated biological framework beneath it. In this article, we’ve explored what happens in the brain when we fall in love, uncovering the many intricate mechanisms that explain why we feel the way we do when someone catches our eye. From dopamine to serotonin to oxytocin and endorphin, hormones play an essential role in the biology of love. Have you ever wondered what’s really happening in your brain when you fall in love? Now you know.
