Valentine’s Day: how to activate love hormones and neurotransmitters?

Valentine’s Day: how to activate love hormones and neurotransmitters?


In this article, a neurosurgeon talks about the influence of certain hormones, such as oxytocin, on flirting and love affairs

In the art of conquest and seduction, the brain works “at full capacity”, preparing the physical body and behavior to attract the ideal partner. Neurotransmitters and hormones are responsible for activating the reward center, generating pleasurable sensations and sexual pleasure.

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“Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, activates the reward system and triggers the release of testosterone which stimulates libido in men and women”explains Dr. Fernando Gomes Pintoneurosurgeon and full member of the Brazilian Society of Neurosurgery – SBN, adding that: “Prolactin, also a hormone, is related to sexual satisfaction, and oxytocin is related to feelings of intimacy and warmth”. Its production and secretion help people love each other and stay together for a long time.

The doctor says that certain areas of the brain must be “turned off” in both men and women, so that other areas can be activated during the conquest, desire and company of the loved one. “Specifically the amygdala in the temporal lobes, the fight-or-flight ‘defense’ center, is ‘turned off’ and pleasure centers, such as the ventral tegmental area, are activated”details.

In women, the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex, responsible for controlling elementary desires, also becomes silent. And then they can “let go” of their worries and just love and be loved.

The pleasure center for both men and women is located in the hypothalamus. According to Dr. Fernando, a loved one is someone with the potential to activate our pleasure area today and hopefully forever.

“That’s why our thoughts, desires and dreams, generated and interpreted in our frontal lobes, always prompt us to think about our loved one. Especially in the dating phase, in the passion phase”reveals.

The expert leaves some advice for packing a love:

  • Always smile. The smile, which is the first neurological gain at two months of life, causes a feeling of well-being, acceptance and comfort in those who receive it;
  • You kiss a lot. It translates affection and a good kiss on the mouth causes an intense emotional exchange. Lip sensitivity is one of the greatest senses of the human brain;
  • To be honest. Sincere relationships make the quality of information exchange in the couple’s brain free, fast and intense. Love and pleasure can manifest themselves in all their fullness.

Source: Terra

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