Ah, love. In the heady days of a mutual crush, pulses
race, knees go weak, and heads reel. So strong are these feelings, they’ve
launched a thousand songs and poems.
But it’s more than just a metaphor. Love does indeed impact our bodies in
measurable ways.
You feel different and
are
different. Read on to find out what
researchers have discovered about this thing called love.
Addicted to love
Dopamine is the brain’s pleasure chemical. It plays a role
in gambling, drug use, and, well, love. When we fall in love, dopamine is
released, making couples feel elated and energetic about each other.
"That someone takes on special meaning to you and you focus on this
individual because the dopamine system has been activated, " says Helen
Fisher, PhD, a biological anthropologist. “It is what triggers
very goal oriented behavior, where no one else matters but your new partner.”
Dopamine can be present in both early-stage and long-term romantic love, she
says.
"O" is for oxytocin
Oxytocin
is a chemical that calms
and bonds couples together by promoting intimacy.
"It is what hugging, kissing and touching are made of, " says Fisher,
a visiting research associate atRutgersUniversityinNew Brunswick, NJ.
Oxytocin
levels also rise in new moms, promoting milk production and bonding
with babies.
So, if you feel the urge for a stay-at-home movie night to cuddle with your
beau, it may be oxytocin at work.
Testosterone takes off
Although testosterone is thought of as a macho hormone, it
helps stoke the fire in both sexes.
“It is just one of the many pieces for romantic love, ” says Fisher. “Sex can
drive up your testosterone levels.”
Men naturally have higher testosterone levels and trace amounts in saliva. One
theory says that when people lock lips, the transfer of this hormone could
increase sexual desire in a partner.
Tongue tied?
Another possible ingredient in the love potion is
norepinephrine. (It’s still being studied).
This stress hormone increases the heart rate, and may be the reason you feel
hot and flustered when that special person notices you.
Fisher says it might also be responsible for that butterflies-in-your-stomach sensation. “It can cause that awkward feeling, ” she says. “Sweaty palms, dry
mouth, fumbling words.“
Love connection
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a set of
genes that controls cell-surface molecules, which the body uses to tell self
from foreign invaders.
Our bodies exude MHC levels through sweat and body odor, as well as saliva.
There are a wide variety of MHC types, but they tend to more closely match in
people who are related.
Based on scent and taste, studies suggest we can pick up on MHC levels in other
people, and it’s thought that the more you differ in MHC, the stronger the
attraction.
Follow your nose
The saying is usually love at first sight, but your nose
plays a part too. Pheromones, which are chemical messengers, are theorized—but
not proven—to play a part in human sexual attraction. (They're major players in
insect behavior.)
Fisher says she isn’t a fan of the pheromone theory, but believes smell is a
part of love.
“Once you fall for someone, their smell can be a powerful thing, ” says Fisher.
“Women will wear their boyfriends T-shirts and throughout tales in history men
have held on to their lover’s handkerchief.”
