All it takes is one look, at a face and/or body with features and symmetry that correspond to beauty criteria we’re not even aware of, and our orbitofrontal cortex comes to life, and our adrenal glands release noradrenaline.
Similar to adrenaline, this chemical messenger, emitted in response to stress, puts the body into a state of turmoil, producing a racing heart, dilated pupils, flushed cheeks, a loss of appetite and an inability to sleep.
If Nature hadn’t been so cleverly designed, we’d be catapulted into a state of shock by this surge of noradrenaline, inducing a flight response. But this wave of noradrenaline is followed by one of the happiness hormone, which gives us the motivation and strength to approach our object of desire, allowing the adventure to begin, and potentially develop … (1)
Once contact has been established, the couple start their mating ritual, prompted by the species’ instinct for reproduction which seeks to initiate sexual relations (2).
This is driven once again by the happiness hormone, supported by male reproductive hormone and to a lesser degree, female reproductive hormone, in both men and women. To learn more about male reproductive hormone, check out our blog on the top 5 male reproductive hormone boosters. Desire may actually be the result of an imbalance between what are termed ‘excitatory’ mechanisms (based on the happiness hormone, the male reproductive hormone, and the female reproductive hormone) and ’inhibitory’ ones (based, in particular, on serotonin, prolactin and opioids).
Either way, sexual intercourse produces two possible direct effects:
The first activates the reward circuit: the partner is associated with pleasure and physiological reward; he or she is missed when absent. In a different way, the second – related more to childhood - produces an attachment, and again, the partner is missed when absent(3).
In both cases, it is highly probable that the loved one’s absence produces a very specific reaction: a drop in serotonin levels… similar to that experienced by people suffering from depression. It’s that feeling of missing the partner.
It’s interesting to note that the way people in love function at a hormonal and behavioral level is actually similar to drug addicts (4)!
Once a couple has moved beyond this first, ‘sex-driven’ stage – being ‘blinded’ by love (it’s the love hormone rather than love that causes this), missing their ‘other half’, passionate reunions - they either break up, and go on to experience this ‘love at first sight’ explosion of hormones with somebody else, or they settle into a relationship of enduring love… which involves its own set of chemical reactions.
The most important chemical associated with building a lasting relationship is anandamide. This neurotransmitter plays a role in mood regulation, memory, appetite, pain, cognition, and emotions (5).
Having said that, it‘s neither magical nor everlasting: in order for levels of love hormone, happiness hormone, anandamide and serotonin to be maintained in either partner, the conditions that existed when these chemicals first emerged need to be reproduced as much as possible. In terms of sexuality, there are certain natural stimulants, such as damiana (its Latin name being Turnera aphrodisiaca), which can also provide effective support.
Kindness, affectionate gestures, looks, tender words, moments of playfulness, togetherness, exchanging compliments, sharing, dancing, embracing, etc.: shows of affection and tenderness are ultimately what sustains a long-lasting relationship.
References
21 Days
Above and beyond
DOMINIC
22 Days
The discount paves way to try new products.
Larry
22 Days
Professional and timely
TOMASINO Anthony
25 Days
Rapid order! All comes when expected.
NEW Virginia
25 Days
1- website easy to navigate and understand the different products 2- easy to order 3- superb timely shipping 4- excellent product 5- best customer service not just in the industry but overall!
Mohamad Hussein
26 Days
This was a reorder and fortunately you offered a discount. It was received as promised.
El Capt
27 Days
FIRST TIME TRYING
DOMINIC
27 Days
Great products and good to work with in ordering shipping.
DOMINIC
35 Days
High quality, great prices, fast shipment and large variety keep me coming back!
Jackson Josiah
36 Days
We were recommended products to buy at SuperSmart USA by Neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock. So glad he made this recommendation because we have been very pleased with all the products we have purchased from SuperSmart. Lately, I started using the Silyphus for liver and have been extremely pleased with my results.
Diane
37 Days
Was Able To Find What I Wanted And I Received My Order In A Timely Manner...
PITTMAN Richard
38 Days
Their supplements work, i'vce had great experience with their glucose and cholesterol supplements
ACKAWAY Joseph
39 Days
Only bummer they left the pkg in the mailbox and we had no confirmation of delivery.
Lorri
39 Days
GREAT PRODUCT!! FAST SERVICE!! SUPER - NICE PRICE!! I WILL ORDER AGAIN, I WILL RECOMMEND OTHERS TO DO THE SAME!!! THANKS!!
HENDERSON B.
41 Days
Dependable delivery and service.
ShadowSeer