APEX Brain Centers

Love…Between the Ears

Love…Between the Ears

Testosterone, estrogen, dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline, oxytocin, and vasopressin…

Hormones have everything to do with all phases of love, from attraction or ‘love at first sight’ to long-term relationships.

The deeper bonding you may be in dictates what chemicals will be present and in what amounts. Also, factors such as gender and overall physical and mental health play a role in what stages of love one are (or aren’t) is based on the nature and quantity of chemicals produced Love…Between the Ears.

In general, earlier stages of attraction are dominating by adrenaline and dopamine; which account for behavioral traits of being clumsy and tongue-tied due to stress responses encountering your love interest with the former, and having increased focus and energy with the latter. Serotonin is what can get you into trouble as this is what causes you to focus on your attraction more than anything else. Very similar to the decrease in serotonin levels observed in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

The latter stages of attachment and deeper bonding are orchestrating primarily by oxytocin and vasopressin; although other factors are present at all stages in varying amounts, depending on the level of attachment and continued attraction. Oxytocin has been called the “cuddle hormone” and is an integral part of bonding between couples, mother and child,  dogs and their humans.  (our four-legged friends produce this when they see their favorite person). Vasopressin has been showing to enhance interpersonal relationships through positive communication.

So, while we don’t want to dissect this most natural of emotions too much during the Valentine’s Day season. A basic understanding of the brain chemicals discussed and the many influences upon them. (e.g. diet, exercise, stress, sleep, environmental factors, brain injury, mental health disorders, etc.). For you to better understand how you view the world and how it views you through the “eyes of love”.

Dr. Michael S. Trayford is a Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist and Neurofeedback Specialist with over 20 years of experience in the practice of advanced functional neurology. He is one of the most highly sought-after brain rehabilitation specialists because of the life-changing outcomes his patients consistently experience. After over a decade in private practice and working alongside other pioneers in the field, Dr. Trayford developed his multimodal intensive brain training and rehabilitation program built around the science of Neuroplasticity – the ability of the brain to learn and grow dependent upon the stimulation it receives from its environment. He later founded APEX Brain Centers to combine his ground-breaking rehabilitation approach with a unique patient and caretaker-centered care model. Under Dr. Trayford’s leadership, APEX Brain Centers has successfully treated thousands of patients and earned the reputation of a world-renowned brain training and rehabilitation practice. Since its inception, Dr. Trayford has been a leader of the Brain Training revolution treating patients worldwide. In addition, he is a published journal contributor and international lecturer. His experience with various patients of all ages and neurological conditions has given him a unique perspective on brain health and human performance. He is also well-versed in collaborating with other health care professionals, making him an invaluable asset to any care team. Dr. Trayford was awarded the Functional Neurologist of the Year distinction by the International Association of Functional Neurology and Rehabilitation, where he is a proud member and conference lecturer. Currently, he serves on the Advisory Council for the Dementia Society of America and the Board of Directors for the International Society for Neuroregulation and Research. He is also a servant leader who has dedicated his adult life to serving multiple communities through Rotary International and other notable causes. When he’s not treating patients, Dr. Trayford usually reads or researches anything related to the brain, human performance, and leadership. He also loves spending time outdoors with his wife Denise, their two daughters, and dogs in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmichaeltrayford/

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