Gurleen Baruah, organisational psychologist at That Culture Thing, says, “While the heart is often associated with love, it’s actually the brain that orchestrates most of the changes. Our brain releases a cocktail of chemicals, including dopamine and oxytocin, which play a crucial role in shaping our emotional and physical responses to love, activating areas associated with pleasure and reward.” 

This leads to various physical and psychological effects, she adds, such as heightened feelings of pleasure, reduced perception of pain, and an increased desire for intimacy with their partner. In addition to these chemical changes, love also manifests in physical sensations like the fluttering of butterflies in the stomach, a lightness in the body, and an overall sense of euphoria. 

Moreover, acts of physical intimacy such as cuddling, hugging, and kissing trigger the release of oxytocin, known as the ‘love hormone’, which promotes feelings of trust, calmness, and security.  

How do neurotransmitters and hormones affect our feelings and behaviours when we’re in love?

When we’re in love, Baruah says that neurotransmitters and hormones like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin play a crucial role in shaping our feelings and behaviours. “Dopamine, often called the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter, floods our brain’s reward centre, leading to an overall improvement in mood and a heightened sense of pleasure. This surge in dopamine makes us feel more energetic, motivated, and enthusiastic about life. We become more focused, driven, and eager to pursue exciting activities or goals,” she elaborates. 

Oxytocin, known as the ‘love hormone,’ fosters feelings of trust, bonding, and intimacy between partners, adds Baruah. It strengthens the emotional connection we feel towards our loved ones, promoting a sense of security and well-being. Oxytocin also encourages nurturing behaviours, such as cuddling, hugging, and physical closeness, which further deepen the bond between partners.

She states, “Serotonin, another neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation, contributes to feelings of happiness, contentment, and emotional stability when we’re in love. It helps to alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of calmness and relaxation. As a result, we may experience an overall improvement in our mental health and well-being.”

Long-term effects of falling in love on health

Baruah informs that being in love can indeed have profound long-term effects on one’s health, with both positive and negative implications. “On the positive side, being in love fosters a sense of emotional well-being and fulfilment. When we feel understood, validated, and loved by our partner, it can lead to a cascade of positive emotions and a release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and endorphins.” This sense of acceptance and belonging can contribute to lower levels of stress, improved mental health, and enhanced overall happiness.

Additionally, Baruah notes, being in a loving relationship provides us with a supportive environment where we can share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences freely. The emotional support and companionship provided by a loving partner can contribute to overall well-being and longevity.

However, she says, it’s essential to acknowledge that being in love can also have its downsides. Baruah stresses, “Sometimes, the intense emotions associated with love can lead to a loss of objectivity and an inability to recognise potential red flags in the relationship.” 

In extreme cases, being blindly in love can result in negative consequences, such as codependency, isolation from friends and family, or staying in toxic relationships. “It’s crucial to maintain a balance between the positive aspects of love and a realistic assessment of the relationship dynamics to ensure one’s health and well-being are not compromised,” Baruah mentions.