Changes in your heart, changes in your brain, someone who makes you feel complete—yet everything feels so strange. What is happening to me? I’ve met a woman who makes me feel complete, yet I wish to be so much more than me for her. Is it love? I have always described love to myself as a drug, addictive and dangerous, and for good reason something to not have too much of. Can it be the chemistry between you both? Well, it is indisputably chemical. Love is very much a drug. Can you be addicted to it? What is love addiction?

Falling in love is an experience that touches every aspect of human existence, and it is not merely a matter of the heart. It involves a complex array of physiological changes throughout the body, driven primarily by shifts in brain chemistry. Understanding these changes reveals why love feels so powerful and transformative. The body’s physiological response to love is the brain’s release of specific chemicals that alter our feelings and behaviours.

Dopamine, often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter, plays a crucial role. It is released in significant amounts when we fall in love, creating a sensation of pleasure and reward. This surge in dopamine contributes to the euphoric and exhilarating feelings associated with romantic attraction, reinforcing our desire to seek out and maintain the connection with our partner. So what the hell is going on when you meet the person who you want to share your own personal eternity with?

Alongside dopamine, oxytocin, known as the "love hormone" or "cuddle hormone", is vital in forming deep emotional bonds. This hormone is released during physical touch and intimate interactions, enhancing feelings of trust and attachment between partners. Oxytocin levels increase during moments of physical closeness such as hugging, kissing, or sexual activity, further solidifying the emotional connection.

Serotonin, another key neurotransmitter, also plays a role in the experience of love. Initially, serotonin levels may drop when someone falls in love, contributing to the obsessive thinking and preoccupation often seen in new romantic relationships. This fluctuation in serotonin can lead to the intense emotional highs and lows typical of early stages of love. Over time, as the relationship stabilises, serotonin levels generally normalise. Our cardiovascular system is significantly affected by the experience of falling in love. Increased levels of norepinephrine, which is involved in the body's "fight-or-flight" response, lead to heightened alertness and physical symptoms such as a racing heart and elevated blood pressure.

This reaction can be so pronounced that it has been colloquially referred to as "broken heart syndrome" in cases where emotional stress impacts heart function. In addition to the brain’s chemical changes, the endocrine system plays a significant role in how the body responds to love. Hormones like cortisol, which is associated with stress, can fluctuate during the early stages of a relationship due to the emotional intensity. Conversely, reproductive hormones such as estrogen and testosterone also influence romantic feelings, contributing to sexual attraction and desire between partners.

The nervous system, responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions, is deeply involved in processing and responding to love. The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system triggers arousal responses like increased heart rate and heightened alertness. Meanwhile, the parasympathetic branch helps to calm the body and regulate emotional balance once the initial excitement of love begins to stabilise. In addition to this, the brain's limbic system, which includes structures such as the amygdala and hippocampus, plays a crucial role in processing emotions and forming memories related to love.

These areas help encode the emotional significance of experiences with a loved one, influencing future behaviours and the strength of the bond between partners. Interestingly, falling in love can also have positive effects on the immune system. The emotional well-being associated with being in love is thought to boost immune function, making the body more resilient to illness. This boost is likely due to reduced stress levels and increased oxytocin, which enhances immune response. However, the emotional highs and lows of a new relationship can also lead to stress, which might negatively affect overall health if it becomes chronic.

As a relationship progresses, the initial surge of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine typically stabilises. This leads to a more enduring and stable form of love, characterised by deep attachment and commitment. Oxytocin continues to play a crucial role in maintaining this long-term emotional connection and relationship satisfaction.

What are you feeling when you are falling in love? Your body naturally triggers an avalanche of physiological changes that affect the entire body. From shifts in brain chemistry to alterations in heart rate and hormone levels, these changes contribute to the profound and often overwhelming experience of romantic love. By exploring these processes, we gain insight into the intricate interplay between our bodies and emotions, highlighting the deep connection between our physiological responses and the experience of love.