Endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine are the four pleasure hormones. Here is what they are used for and how to promote their action.
What are the pleasure hormones in the brain?
There are four pleasure hormones: endorphins, oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine. “A hormone normally circulates in the blood, but these are located in the brain. This is why they are also called neuro-hormones.“, explains Dr. Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol, endocrinologist.
What are they for ?
These four hormones are very active in the brain when a situation or behavior brings a sense of pleasure. “You should know that the real mechanics of hormones is much more complex than we imagine. They do not operate independently of each other, it is not each their own lane, but rather it is of a combo, of an interaction between the different hormones“, warns Dr. Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol.
► The endorphins : these hormones are made during heavy physical exertion to provide resistance to pain. This is the case, for example, to maintain the effort during a marathon.
► Oxytocin : it is an important hormone in attachment and empathy. It is produced when someone is hugged and is secreted in very large quantities at the time of L’Orgasm. She also plays other roles:She is responsible in particular for contractions of the uterus during childbirth. Oxytocin is also a hormone that allows milk to be ejected from the breast in breastfeeding women.
► The serotonin : this one is well known as being thegood mood hormone. Anti-depressants act in particular on serotonin. When a person has a system malfunction involving serotonin, they become sadder and have dark thoughts.
► The dopamine : dopamine is produced in the reward circuit. A peak is secreted as soon as something makes us happy. However, this reward system can lead to addiction.
Are pleasure hormones different in men and women?
Pleasure hormones are identical in men and women. They have the same mode of operation and act in the same way, regardless of gender. Nevertheless, their effects can be different from one individual to another.
What is the pleasure hormone secreted when we are in love?
“The main hormone secreted when we are in love is oxytocin. But serotonin and dopamine also participate. During sexual activity, there is a explosion of pleasure hormones.”
What is the pleasure hormone secreted during sport?
Endorphins and dopamine are mainly secreted during sport but physical activity promotes the proper functioning of the serotonin circuit.
Dopamine is made in large amounts when taking addictive substances
What is the pleasure hormone secreted when we eat?
When we eat, dopamine is secreted whether the food provides pleasure. Serotonin is also secreted for eating with others.
Can we miss it?
“It is not necessarily a deficiency but rather a transmission defect in the hormone circuit. There are pathologies or genetic factors that can cause the lack of a hormone. The action of serotonin will be less well in difficult life events. It has also been shown that there is a lack of oxytocin in autism or in certain rare genetic diseases. Finally, dopamine is produced in large quantities when taking addictive substances, which will cause the person to continue their consumption without being able to control themselves, until addiction.
Here’s what to do to stimulate and promote the action of these hormones:
► Endorphins: physical activity promotes their actions;
► Oxytocin: it is necessary to create social ties, live experiences with his relatives;
► Serotonin: a good quality of sleep and diet is important as well as physical activity;
► Dopamine: the idea is to know how it works to avoid addictions. This allows you to set up things to smoke less, limit screens, etc. as behavioral therapies. Gradually reduce your number of cigarettes or eat mindfully to treat eating disorders, for example.
Thanks to Dr Emmanuelle Lecornet-Sokol, endocrinologist in Paris, co-author of the book “And if it was hormonal”, with Caroline Balma Chaminadour (Marabout editions).