Cupids chemicals

In the science behind love and relationships, I commonly hear the names of chemical substances and hormones (such as oxytocin, endorphins, and dopamine) used. This is my little post to help me understand their meaning and purpose.

What are neurotransmitters

These are brain substances, they transmit signals between nerve cells (neurons). They communicate information throughout the body. They impact mood, sleep concentration etc.

Hormones

Hormones are chemical substances released directly into the blood stream, they act as your bodies 'messenger molecules' carrying information to the tissues and organs. They help your body perform certain functions - such as growth and development, metabolism, mood, sexual function etc.

Hormones and chemical substances associated with love

Oxytocin

This powerful chemical is often named the 'cuddle hormone', its released during bodily contact, kissing, sex, the birth of child and breast feeding.

During organisms the brain is flooded with this love molecule. Oxytocin helps to promotes a sense of calm and peacefulness.

It also plays a critical role in human bonding because it increases empathy and makes us trust people more.

Advantages

Increased oxytocin levels helps relieve stress and pain (contains anti-inflammatory properties).

High oxytocin levels act as a anti-depressant.

They improves digestion, through its presence inside the intestinal tract it reduces intestinal inflammation.

Increases optimism, trust and reduces social anxiety. It helps us overcome shyness and social inhibitions.

Endorphins

This is another pain killing hormone. It is released during sexual intercourse (most potent trigger), exercise and the consumption of certain foods and drinks such as chocolate.

Endorphins are known as the 'drug hormone' because of their addictive properties. They behave similarly to drugs such as morphine.  

Advantages

They reduce our feeling of pain, relieve stress and lead to feelings of euphoria.

Endorphins released during regular sex can boost cells in your immune system to help fight disease.

Dopamine

Also a pleasure hormone. Its produced after sex, eating, drinking, taking risks, drug taking, achieving goals etc. Chocolate for example elevates dopamine levels.

Dopamine's involved in both reward and motivation. Dopamine drives us to eat or have sex, it essentially motivates us to do things.

For example - the activity of accumulating wealth, shopping, having organisms, gaining power and video games etc all enhance dopamine levels.

Heightened levels of this chemical lead to more craving, which explains it's very addictive properties.

Serotonin

A neurotransmitter and another 'feel good' hormone. It regulates mood, sexual appetite, digestion, sleep, metabolism, perceptions of pain and appetite.

Secretion functions are inhibitory, the release of serotonin reduces sexual desire, appetite, pain and has a sleep-inducing effect (this is why men want to sleep after sex).

Low levels cause stress, sleep disorder and depression. Conversely high levels lead to happiness and better sleep.

Serotonin levels can be increased during regular aerobic exercise, sex and amino acid rich diets.

Adrenaline (Epinephrine)

A hormone involved in the 'fight or flight' response. It helps humans respond to severe danger or stress.

A rush of adrenaline causes our hearts to beat faster, our bodies to release more energy, it increases breathing and heightens our senses.

In the context of love - when you are attracted to another person, you experience a dry mouth, faster our heartbeat and causes sweaty hands.

References and interesting reads

George Dvorsky, 10 Reasons Why Oxytocin Is The Most Amazing Molecule In The World, 7/12/2012

Anna Hodgekiss 'Why it makes women fall in love' from Daily Mail, on August 2011.

Ryan Hurd, 'how does Serotonin affect sleep?' from LiveStrong.

Natasha Turner, ND: 'Why sex is good for you', Chatelaine.

Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD : 'Endorphins: Natural Pain and Stress Fighters' from MedicineNet.com.

JohnThomas Didymus: 'why men only want to roll over and sleep after sex' from Digital Journal.

Kanika Goswami: 'The Chemistry of Love',  from Buzzle.