Books and songs are written about love. But what is its biological meaning? Recently, scientists have been finding more and more evidence that the emergence and development of this feeling is conditioned by certain biochemical processes. What happens to the female body during infatuation?
Why is love needed?
It would seem that to produce offspring, one sexual desire is enough. But love gives individuals an evolutionary advantage. This conclusion was reached by Wolfgang Forstmeier from the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Seewiesen (Germany) and his colleagues while observing birds' behavior. If a male and female are attached to each other, they pay more attention to their offspring, which increases its chances of survival and allows them to pass on their genes to the maximum number of descendants. Probably, the same happens in humans.
Professor of Syracuse University Stephanie Ortigue claims that 12 areas of the brain are involved in infatuation, which contributes to the production of certain chemicals in the body.
Polygamy, apparently, is still not provided for by evolution, as we do not fall in love with everyone we meet. When we encounter a partner who closely matches our subconscious selection criteria, a whole complex of biochemical reactions is triggered in the brain.
The emergence of attraction
This is "caused" by special scents - pheromones. For example, women respond to the chemical substance androstene, which is part of male sweat.
Infatuation itself
At this stage, substances such as phenylethylamine, dopamine, and norepinephrine affect the woman's brain. Phenylethylamine enhances metabolic processes. However, the serotonin level drops, resulting in a decreased appetite. Therefore, many women lose weight when they fall in love. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that increases sexual arousal. Under the influence of stimulants - amphetamines - a good mood and euphoria arise. Even a woman's voice changes when she is near her beloved. It becomes higher and more feminine due to the increased production of female hormones - estrogens.
In the presence of a loved one, our cheeks become red, palms sweat, heart rate increases, and pupils dilate (a result of the release of the hormones oxytocin, adrenaline, and cortisol into the blood). Often, those in love experience a feeling akin to intoxication. This is explained by the increased concentration of dopamine, which "hits" the brain. It feels as if we are under the influence of drugs. And the "butterflies in the stomach" are not a fantasy; they are a result of the adrenal glands producing norepinephrine.
We become addicted to our beloved, just like a drug, experiencing a constant need to see him, to be near him.
In reality, this is a craving for the pleasure that the production of hormones in the presence of that person gives us. If the beloved man is not nearby for a long time, the woman begins to get nervous. The "blame" lies with the release of the "stress" hormone - cortisol. It prevents us from sleeping well while yearning for our beloved.
According to Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers University Dr. Helen Fisher, the "madness" that sometimes accompanies infatuation cannot last longer than 30 months. That's why it is said that "love lasts three years".
The period of attachment
Attachment is formed over time as the woman's body adapts to the chemicals of the amphetamine series. About two years after the onset of infatuation, a group of sedative chemicals - endorphins - begins to be produced in the woman's brain, which neutralize the effects of phenylethylamine. Endorphins have a relaxing effect on us and allow us to feel comfortable and more confident in the presence of a partner. Moreover, during hugs, touches, and physical closeness with a loved one, oxytocin - the "hormone of pleasure" - is released in women.
"In everything we do, say, and feel, there is chemistry," says Dr. Fisher. "There is chemistry in infatuation, any kind of passion, desire, friendship... This does not exclude feelings. We can know all the ingredients of a piece of chocolate cake and still enjoy eating it. Similarly, we can know a lot about romantic love, but when it comes to us, we experience an incomparable euphoria."
