Humans are highly anticipatory creatures. We spend much time thinking about upcoming events, especially when they involve pleasure. This is true for eating, sports, travel, work, and even sex. Anticipation is essential to human experience. But how do anticipated pleasures affect the body's chemistry? What physiological changes occur before we experience an event? In this essay, I will explore the relationship between anticipation and hormonal regulation.
Anticipation is defined as the expectation that something enjoyable is coming soon. It can be mental or physical.
One might daydream about what it would be like to eat a delicious dessert or have satisfying sex. These thoughts cause certain biological reactions in the body, such as increased heart rate and blood flow, which prepares the body for action. Anticipation also involves feelings of excitement and arousal.
The brain and endocrine system communicate with each other through chemical messengers called hormones. Hormones regulate many bodily functions, including metabolism, growth, reproduction, mood, and behavior. When we anticipate an experience, the hypothalamus gland in the brain releases a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin has been shown to increase sexual desire and facilitate bonding between partners. It also reduces anxiety and increases trust. The pituitary gland then releases another hormone called vasopressin, which promotes social bonding and decreases stress levels. Together, these two hormones create a powerful anticipatory state known as 'love sickness'.
During anticipation, the brain also releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that enhances pleasure. Dopamine is responsible for the 'reward' feeling associated with pleasurable experiences. It contributes to motivation, focus, attention, and learning. Dopamine levels are higher during anticipation than after the event itself. This may explain why we often remember anticipated events more vividly than actual ones.
In addition to anticipating physical experiences, humans can also anticipate emotional states.
Someone might feel nervous or anxious before giving a public speech or taking an exam. These emotions activate the adrenal glands, releasing hormones like cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline). These hormones prepare the body for action by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Anticipatory fear can be beneficial if it prepares us for danger, but chronic stress can lead to health problems like high blood pressure and depression.
Anticipation plays a critical role in regulating hormonal balance. By understanding this relationship, we can better manage our physiological responses and improve our mental health.
How does anticipation regulate hormones?
Anticipation has been shown to regulate hormone levels, as it can activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that is responsible for releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline when a person experiences fear or anxiety.