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 dopamine, 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 dopamine, supported by testosterone and to a lesser degree, oestrogen, in both men and women. To learn more about testosterone, check out our blog on the top 5 testosterone boosters. Desire may actually be the result of an imbalance between what are termed ‘excitatory’ mechanisms (based on dopamine, testosterone and oestrogen) 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 behavioural 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 oxytocin 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).
And it turns out that this molecule which has a calming effect on lovers, putting them in a state of quiet happiness, is actually an endogenous cannabinoid!
Having said that, it‘s neither magical nor everlasting: in order for levels of oxytocin, dopamine, 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
27 Minutes
In our experience products of SuperSmart have high quality. In this case the products are also hard to get elsewhere.
Dhr Fred Laan
17 Days
Great product. Fast and efficient service.
Sheba Kelleher
23 Days
Easy to order, good and fast delivery to Finland, the box was intact and the content exactly what I ordered. I am satisfied. Product prices are on moderate level. Thank you Supersmart!
VIITANEN Esa
27 Days
Thanks to team who met what I need such as trust, good packages and fast delivery. Regarding products it is too early to give a comment. After using for a while, I gonna update my review. I had bought supplements mostly for autism.
Fatma Coltu
27 Days
efficient eqsy to use
Mr G Birtles
34 Days
You are so quick in processing orders and prompt in shipping too. Very easy to do business with you. Thanks a lot for your great service.
JOAQUIN Epifanio
40 Days
I am merely judging the delivery system, which was flawless. It wouldn't make any sense to comment on the efficacy of the supplements, since that is only possible on a statistical basis. Even if something doesn't improve, that doesn't have to mean that the supplement doesn't work, since one doesn't know how it might have worsened without the supplement and the opposite might also apply, since many symptoms are psychosomatic and the supplement might provide a placebo effect.
Roger De Backer
48 Days
Perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Patrick
49 Days
Magnesium and Zinc Orotate are top supplements. Highly recommend!
Kristjan
60 Days
Nothing to complain. Delivers everything fast, attentive to their regular customers. Best experience.
FABIO I.
63 Days
Possibility to enjoy a variety of high quality suppléments. Fast delivery Good packaging Clear information and website
Vov Oo
66 Days
Efficient ordering and delivery. Happy with products. I order fairly regularly. Reliable
Gill Lee
66 Days
Supersmart sell the best products and are effecient when it come to handling and dispatching orders. Also, their return and refund policies is very simple and easy for the customer. The creme on top is the return customer discounts. Keep up the good work.
ABDULQADER Jehad
69 Days
Prompt and reliable.
MIFSUD Joseph
76 Days
I don't use the word great; everything was OK; it is maybe too early to expect an effect of the supplements
STAEHLI C