What actually is love from a scientific point of view? In the field of neurochemistry and neuropsychiatry love is explained by 8 different chemicals your body produces.

1. Neurochemistry of
Love
“The stages of love”

2. Stage 1:Lust/Romantic Feelings
Lust is driven by SEX hormones; Testosterone and
Estrogen. During this stage of love, your partner
seems “perfect” or ideal for you, because of
endorphins soak your brain.

3. Testosterone:
Testosterone is a steroid hormone that starts the
development of male and some female sexual
characteristics/drive. Testosterone is produced in the
testes, ovaries, and adrenal cortex.

4. Estrogen:
Estrogen is a steroid hormone that promotes the
development and maintenance of female physical
and sexual characteristics. Estrogen is an important
factor for menstrual and estrous reproductive cycles.
Estrogen is produced in the ovaries, adrenal cortex,
placenta, and testes.

5. Stage 2: Physical Attraction:
Physical attraction is also known as the “love-sick”
phase, and is controlled by three neurotransmitters;
adrenaline, dopamine, and serotonin. During this
stage you daydream about your partner all day, and
they are the center of your attention, causing you to
lose appetite, and need less sleep.

6. Adrenaline/Epinephrine:
Adrenaline activates stress responses, also increases
blood and cortisol levels. Adrenaline creates a
charming effect when you meet your partner, you
start to sweat, your heart races, and your mouth goes
dry. Once adrenaline is secreted by adrenal glands it
prepares muscles for exertion, and your blood
pressure sky rockets; creating a strong physical
attraction to one another.

7. Dopamine:
Dopamine stimulates “desire and reward” by
triggering intense rushes of pleasure; the same effect
as snorting cocaine. Dopamine plays a huge role in
cognition, mood, sleep and attention. Dopamine or
the pleasure chemical is why you think about your
partner all day, and lose sleep. Studies show that
dopamine is a main cause of schizophrenia and
Parkinson’s disease.

8. Serotonin:
Serotonin’s effects of being infatuated with your
partner have a similar chemical appearance to OCD,
which explains people experiencing infatuation
cannot think of anyone else. Serotonin also
regulates appetite, sleep, memory, and
mood/behavior; and is a vital role in physical
attraction.

9. Stage 3: Emotional Attachment/
Unconditional Acceptance:
Emotional attachment includes commitment,
partnership, children, and can recognize both
positive and negative traits towards their partner. In
this stage is when you and your partner will either
work towards a healthy/loving relationship or
decide to quit all together.

10. Oxytocin:
Oxytocin, also known as the cuddle hormone is a
powerful hormone released by men and women
during orgasm. Although both genders produce
oxytocin during sex it is enhanced by estrogen.
Oxytocin strengthens the bond between partners.
The theory is the more sex and hugs a couple has,
the stronger and deeper the connection between
them becomes.

11. Vasopressin:
Vasopressin is an important chemical that is
released after sex. Testosterone enhances the effects
of the vasopressin and heightens a man’s
responsibility, monogamy, also giving them
protective, jealous, and loyal feelings towards their
partner.

12. Links:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9WcUjLf_r-
1S2dtam1KY3U2U3c/edit?usp=sharing
http://people.howstuffworks.com/love6.htm
http://chemistry.about.com/od/valentinesdaychemist
ry/a/Love-Chemicals.htm
http://www.youramazingbrain.org/lovesex/sciencelo
ve.htm