by Karri Emly

Love is a many splendored thing. Love is a friendship set on fire. Love is a battlefield. Love may be the result of a cocktail of chemicals in the body, according to some scientists. Let’s explore the science behind love and see what role chemistry plays in how physical attractions and romantic relationships develop.

Nonverbal communication plays a big role in initial attraction, and some of this communication may involve pheromones, which are a form of chemical communication. Pheromones are chemical signals that trigger a response in another member of the same species, including humans. For example, many insect species emit sex pheromones in order to attract a mate. Some butterflies can detect a potential mate from as far away as a mile while some moths can detect a potential mate from as far away as three miles, according to Joris Brinckerhoff, a butterfly farmer in Latin America. Other pheromones are used by animals and insects to indicate when danger is near or where to find food or shelter.

After an initial attraction is established, infatuation may set in. Characterizations of infatuation include sweaty palms and a pounding heart, which are caused by higher than normal levels of norepinepherine. This is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. Norepinepherine works alongside epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, to give the body a sudden boost of energy in times of stress. This response is called ‘flight or fight’ and may explain why some people get extremely nervous during first dates or immediately before exchanging wedding vows.

The exhilaration of falling in love is due to a rush of phenylethylamine and dopamine, which are chemicals found in the brain. Phenylethylamine, which acts as a releasing agent of norepinephrine and dopamine, quickens the pulse, raises blood sugar levels, and produces a giddy state of well-being. Dopamine is produced in several areas of the brain and is secreted by the hypothalamus. The functions of dopamine are many and include playing important roles in behavior, cognition, voluntary movement, motivation and reward, sleep, mood, attention, and learning.

An established love relationship offers the benefit of stabilized production of serotonin and oxytocin. Serotonin is often called the brain’s ‘feel good’ chemical and has many functions, including the regulation of mood, appetite, sleep, muscle contraction, and the cognitive functions of memory and learning. Oxytocin is a hormone best known for its role in female reproduction because it is released in large amounts during childbirth. Current studies are exploring the role of oxytocin in orgasms, anxiety, trust, love, social recognition, and maternal behaviors.

Libido is clearly linked to levels of sex hormones, particularly testosterone. When a reduced sex drives occurs in individuals with low levels of testosterone, testosterone replacement will often increase libido. The two groups most affected by deficiencies in testosterone are post-menopausal women and men over the age of 60.

Deficiencies in hormones can be determined by blood and saliva tests that measure the amounts of hormones being produced in the body. Some area health care providers provide test kits to patients who wish to do these tests in the privacy of their homes. If hormone levels are determined to be low through testing, a prescription for replacement hormone therapy can be written by a health care provider.

Herbal supplements that support libido function can revitalize sexual performance and pleasure, promote sexual arousal, and enhance sex drive and satisfaction for both men and women. Formulas designed for men contain additional herbals to help promote prostate health in general and to help the body with its production of testosterone.

Yohimbe bark extract contains the alkaloid yohimbine, which is approved in the United States as a pharmaceutical used for the treatment of impotence. Yohimbine may increase blood flow to the genitals and increase both sexual sensitivity and excitation in some men. Supplements containing yohimbe bark are available over the counter and should be used with caution because yohimbe bark acts as an MAO inhibitor. Side effects in susceptible people can include rapid pulse, sweating, and anxiety reactions.

Maca is a perennial plant native to the Andes of Bolivia and Peru and a relative of the radish and turnip plants. For over 2,000 years, maca has been used in its limited growing area as an important source of food and as a medicinal plant. Maca root extract is used medicinally to enhance strength and endurance, and it acts as an aphrodisiac.

Epimedium grandiflorum, a flowering plant with heart shaped leaves, has been shown to increase sexual activity in goats, thus giving this plant its common name, horny goat weed. This herbal is often used in supplements designed for enhancement of libido. Before using any herbal supplements, consult your health care professional, especially if health problems exist.

The best way to boost your sexual desire is to take care of yourself. Get plenty of sleep. Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in fat. Avoid consuming excessive amounts of alcohol and avoid smoking, as both of these activities can reduce blood flow throughout the body. Get physical and build exercise into your day by taking the stairs, parking further away from your destination and walking the rest of the way, and by playing interactive video games. Wear the colors you love, get your hair cut or styled on a regular basis, and pay attention to personal grooming in order to feel your best. Exercise releases endorphins, which are feel-good brain chemicals that cause happiness and pleasure. This could help you smile and laugh your way to love and romance.