Love in the Chemistry of the Brain

Love has always been romanticized as an enigmatic force which originates from the heart; However science reveals its true roots from the intricate connections within our brains. As Valentine’s Day approaches, here’s a deep dive into the neural chemistry behind romantic connection.“Love is the result of chemical changes that happen in the brain when we meet someone and feel that connection,” says Larry Zweifel, a neuroscientist in an interview conducted by UW Medicine. 

Oxytocin, referred to as the “love hormone”, plays an important role in social bonding, intimacy, and trust. It plays a role in human behavior as well as the male and female reproductive systems. 

Being love-struck also releases high levels of dopamine, a chemical that “gets the reward system going,” said Dr. Olds, a psychiatrist in an interview conducted by Scott Edwards which was published by Harvard Medical School. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with love’s euphoric highs. Scientific studies prove that our brain’s reward system, fueled by dopamine, reinforces the happiness in our romantic experiences. Dopamine, produced from tyrosine, is released by brain cells when we undergo a rewarding experience. It binds to receptors on neighboring cells, leading to pleasure and reinforcement of romantic feelings. This reinforcement mechanism strengthens the neural pathways associated with romantic feelings, making them more likely to be repeated in the future.

Serotonin, a neurotransmitter primarily known for its role in mood regulation, can influence feelings of happiness, satisfaction, and bonding, which are central to maintaining healthy romantic relationships. Serotonin may also modulate obsessive thoughts and behaviors often associated with romantic love, contributing to a sense of stability in relationships. 

Mirror neurons activate when one observes someone doing something. Mirror neurons contribute to the empathetic connection between partners, allowing them to share emotions. This enhances the depth of emotional understanding in a relationship. 

Martha Lopez, a Senior at Whitney Young, commented, “It’s crazy to think that our emotions can be brought down to chemicals in our brain, when they seem like such complex things”. 

While love may seem mysterious and unexplainable at times, understanding its biological roots can help us understand the relationships of ourselves and others better. So as we cherished our loved ones this Valentine’s day, let’s marvel at the extraordinary chemistry that we all experience.