The brain is the first sexual organ, in women and also in men. It is from here that the stimuli for a good propensity for mating, intimacy, pleasure and even the ability to reproduce start. To be more precise, it is the hypothalamus the control unit that commands and from which follicle-stimulating hormones (which in men stimulate the production of sperm and in women of oocyte and estrogen) and luteinizing hormones (which leads to the production in men of testosterone and in women of corpus luteum, which in turn produces progesterone) are produced. It is always the hypothalamus that stimulates the production of endorphin, a molecule that is synonymous with well-being; dopamine, the hormone that goes hand in hand with both sexual arousal and falling in love; testosterone, a substance that gives positive energy and aggression; and finally oxytocin, the true love hormone. Let us try to see together the role of each of these hormones.
The love hormone
L’Oxytocin is the hormone of love in all its forms and variations. It is the hormone of cuddling, hugging, physical contact and empathy. It decreases stress, anxiety, promotes sensitivity to others’ emotions, propensity to care and protection. It strengthens the sense of trust and belonging. Levels of this hormone are also high in childbirth, lactation and mother-child attachment. In sexuality, oxytocin is involved in. In all phases, from foreplay until orgasm is reached. Its production promotes sexual desire and causes arousal, both biological, physical, and psychological, triggering the famous attachment. Its production facilitates the sensation of pleasure, increases the sensitivity of the clitoris, until orgasm is reached. Indeed, it is said that those with low levels of oxytocin reach the peak of jouissance with more difficulty. Oxytocin also stimulates receptors for estrogen and progesterone, its allies and accomplices in sexuality and pleasure.
Testosterone, estrogen and progesterone
Contrary to popular belief, the testosterone is not an exclusively male hormone, but is also produced, albeit in smaller amounts, in women. It is the hormone of thearousal, which ignites desire, on which physical craving, receptivity to sexual stimuli, and also mental involvement, erotic dreams, and sexual fantasies depend. Roughly the same role plays, for her, estrogen and progesterone. Be careful, however, because their production varies with age and throughout the day. The peak of testosterone levels and thus arousal in men is around age 20; while estrogen levels for girls are around age 20-25. Estrogen in girls increases before and during the ovulation, times when one feels particularly passionate and inclined toward sexual intercourse. During the menopause instead, the ovaries stop producing estrogen, leading to various disorders and decreased desire.
The power of dopamine
Several hormones are produced during sexual stimulation and practice, which are not exclusive to sexual activity but can absolutely affect pleasure and the sense of gratification and well-being. One above all: the dopamine. Similar to amphetamine, it is one of the hormones of the happiness, related to the brain’s reward system, which determines the feeling of gratification and gratification, but also of dependence. Dopamine is the neurotransmitter that regulates pleasure, the same neurotransmitter that is produced when taking feel-good substances, such as coffee, chocolate or nicotine. It is pleasurable, one feels good and wants to do/eat more. Precisely because of the high production of dopamine during sex, sex is said to be good for your health: according to some studies, it seems that dopamine improves memory, the concentration and learning ability.
In the post, also endorphins
After orgasm, the body produces large amounts of endorphins, morphine-like substances that give the sense of fulfillment, of relaxation and pleasure achieved. They are also a pain reliever body’s natural antidepressant, which counteracts anxiety and stimulates mood. Endorphins are produced and stimulated a great deal with sexuality and intimate pleasure, but really all it takes is a good laugh or a simple smile to promote their production.
What stress produces
With sex, stress collapses. This, too, has a scientific explanation, with basis in that very bit of the brain that controls the production of hormones. Already during foreplay and physical solicitation and pleasure, blood pressure drops, and levels of cortisol, the hormone produced during times and in situations of stress. Cortisol is precisely the hormone that rows against casual and loose sexuality: it is the hormone of the closure, which leads to depression and decreased desire. In case of overproduction of cortisol, levels of testosterone, a hormone that-as we have seen-is crucial in her and his pleasure, are lowered.
