▲You know those warm fuzzy feelings that make us want to be with a person more than anything? These do not come from our hearts, as popularized by romantic folklore, but mostly from our brains. We fall in love for a number of reasons, and our body responds accordingly with a cocktail of hormones strong enough to get us hooked. Click through and let's talk about love.

▲The main reasons why we fall in love come from our ancestors. The need for pair bonding and reproduction were essential for the evolution of our species.

▲Nature took care of ensuring we didn't go extinct by managing our hormonal responses in a way that allowed us to survive as a species.

▲When we fall in love, we go through three stages: lust, attraction, and attachment. All three stages are associated with different hormonal responses.

▲This is our limbic system working at its best. It's the initial sexual attraction we feel towards a person we find attractive.

▲Estrogen and testosterone are the main hormones responsible for this feeling.

▲Norepinephrine, or PEA, is a naturally occurring amphetamine that increases the experience of joy and reduces appetite. It's usually released on this stage and continues into the attraction phase.

▲This is where all the fun begins. This stage happens after the first biological response and it triggers a number of hormonal responses.

▲Love essentially triggers a feedback loop in our brain's reward system, making us want more. It kicks in mostly during this phase.

▲Yes, the first rush comes from adrenaline. Falling in love with a person will actually cause a stress response in your body.

▲It's likely that you have experienced these symptoms. Think a racing heartbeat, dry mouth, or sweaty palms. These are all reactions triggered by adrenaline.

▲Being in love induces our bodies to produce the neurotransmitter dopamine. Also known as the "feel good" hormone. Dopamine is responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness.

▲Dopamine is a natural "high." Its stimulant effects on the brain can make you feel great!

▲Effects of high dopamine levels include increased energy, increased focus, and feeling less hungry.

▲Can't stop thinking about your newfound love? That's serotonin in action!

▲Women tend to produce slightly higher levels of serotonin than men when falling in love.

▲This is the hormone that makes us want to cuddle. It's responsible for feelings of attachment with our loved ones.

▲There is a spike in oxytocin levels during orgasm.

▲Oxytocin is also the hormone that makes us bond as humans. It's key in the relationship between mother and child immediately after birth.

▲So much so that it mediates lactation. It essentially signals the breasts to release milk when the baby needs it.

▲Vasopressin is mostly known as an anti-diuretic. It works in the kidneys and it controls thirst.

▲This hormone is also released immediately after sex. This hormone plays a key role in sex and partner preference.

▲Vasopressin is an essential hormone that promotes healthy, long-lasting relationships.

▲As with many other addictions, going cold turkey can be painful.

▲We feel withdrawal symptoms when we break-up with our partner.

▲Dopamine controls most of the brain's reward system, so it's natural that a crash in dopamine release will make us feel like we have a broken heart.

▲Unbalanced hormonal levels can lead to a series of issues, particularly because our brain's reward system is involved.

▲Excessive levels of dopamine can play a role in addiction. The same areas of the brain can be triggered by drugs or by binge eating for instance.

▲Too much dopamine and the reward pathways in our brain can start seeking for excitement elsewhere. Addiction, jealousy, and erratic behavior can be a result of us trying to get the next dopamine "fix."

▲Love is a complex chemical cocktail that is an essential part of the human experience. Enjoy it!

The science behind falling in love

Why we fall in love, according to science

11/02/19 por StarsInsider

HEALTH Love

You know those warm fuzzy feelings that make us want to be with a person more than anything? These do not come from our hearts, as popularized by romantic folklore, but mostly from our brains. We fall in love for a number of reasons, and our body responds accordingly with a cocktail of hormones strong enough to get us hooked. Click through and let's talk about love.