A Question of Love..?

[mattoc66]

I'm sure we've all experienced the flutter of the heart strings whenever we see someone we find attractive. What I want to know is what is the chemical released to cause this sensation? is it a hormone and what is it's natural purpose? We know it can turn some of us into shy gibbering individuals. (Not a good response if your trying to attract them back) Does it trigger from our brains or more romantically from our hearts?

[Rapunzel61]

The brain releases Endorphins, like a little reward to make us feel good.

[Clanad]

Same as Mexican Escobar Artisinal Dark Chocolate (but the chocolate is a lot cheaper and makes more sense).

[rowanwitch]

sadly it is all about pheromones and the instant assessment of potential mates. love has nothing to do with it...just are they likely breeding material... in older people its just a pointless reflex....fun though

[Quassia]

What an interesting question! I'd love to know the 'science' behind this!

[237SJ]

I read somewhere that it`s a brain chemical, the levels of which drop somewhat after about two years. That figures...

[Rapunzel61]

nothing to do with pheromones. That's about attracting a mate. Love is different. You can look at a picture and find somebody deeply attractive, without being able to 'smell' them

[Quassia]

That's absolutely true Rap !

[Quassia]

Can someone be in love just by sight alone?

[Graham-W]

As Rapunzel said, it's the release of endorphins giving a natural high.
The word "Endorphin" comes from the two words, "endogenous + morphine." Endogenous means " produced from within" and I don't think I need to explain "morphine".
Several things can cause the release of endorphins. Exercise, fear, orgasm, love etc.

[Quassia]

& what is the science behind that 'trigger' hormone? What causes that hormone to be released?

[DTCwordfan]

Several things can cause the release of endorphins. Exercise, fear, orgasm, love etc.

all the elements of good sex.

[Rapunzel61]

Fear? Oh I see, put the mask back ON you mean, so I don't have to look at you

[Quassia]

But what is the science behind that release of hormones?

[Quassia]

What I mean is .. what is the scientific chain reaction that happens within our bodies to set off the release of endorphins/ pheromones ect ..

[237SJ]

Maybe theprof or someone will come on and answer your question. In men, it`s probably visual stimuli that trigger something off. I don`t think it`s so simple in women though.

[Quassia]

I think it's visual stimuli in both sexes initially .. lust basically . Bu what chain reaction is set off inside? ... You decide! ( < through the keyhole that ! )

[rsvp]

in the animal world, all female sexual attraction is dependant on 'the best man for the job' - which one is going to give me the strongest babies and which male is going to defend his territory and keep me safe. Translated to humans - 'I fancy you' - this can go wrong though!

[237SJ]

Have you seen Bernie Ecclestone/Noel Edmunds though?

[Graham-W]

"Have you seen Bernie Ecclestone/Noel Edmunds though? "
In human society these men are seen as attractive partners because of their ability to provide for their mate and offspring. Survival of the fittest doesn't mean the "most fit" but the ones most able to survive in their environment. A multi-millionaire becomes very attractive to some purely for the best chance of providing for them and their offspring.