Hormones
Definition
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the body that influence mood, behavior, emotions, and physical responses. Within BDSM, certain hormones play a crucial role in the experience of pain, excitement, surrender, and connection.
Explanation of hormones
During a BDSM session, a complex mix of hormones is released that can put the body into an altered state of consciousness. This biochemical reaction is an important reason why many people experience BDSM as intense, healing, or even addictive. The four most important hormones that play a role in this are adrenaline, endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin. Each contributes to the experience in its own way.
Adrenaline
Adrenaline is the hormone released during tension, fear, or excitement. It prepares the body for action: the heart rate accelerates, breathing deepens, and the senses become sharper. In BDSM, adrenaline causes the sub to enter a heightened state of alertness, which affects pain perception and intensifies intensity. For some subs, this is the moment when fear and desire merge – a feeling that can feel both dangerous and irresistible.
Endorphins
When the body experiences pain, it produces endorphins: natural painkillers that can cause euphoria. These substances create a dreamy, almost trance-like feeling, similar to a “runner’s high.” In a BDSM context, this occurs mainly with prolonged or repeated pain stimuli, such as spanking or impact play. Endorphins not only make pain more bearable, but sometimes even pleasant. They can lead to what is known as subspace – a deep mental state of calm, surrender, and connection.
Dopamine
Dopamine is the reward hormone, released during anticipation, desire, and satisfaction. Within BDSM, dopamine enhances the build-up of tension. It is the hormone that makes the sub look forward to a touch, a command, or even a punishment. Dopamine becomes extra powerful in forms of play that alternate between control and reward, such as orgasm control or teasing. The constant alternation between expectation and reward makes the experience intensely addictive and deeply satisfying.
Oxytocin
Oxytocin, also known as the “cuddle hormone,” plays a key role in bonding and trust. It is released through touch, eye contact, and intimacy. In BDSM, it is often the hormone that determines the emotional aftermath of a session: it strengthens the bond between Dominant and sub and promotes feelings of safety and security. During aftercare – the moment of care and closeness after a session – oxytocin is indispensable. It helps the psyche to recover and ensures that intensity is transformed into connection.
The interplay of these hormones explains why BDSM is more than just play or sex for many people. It is a physical and emotional journey that touches deep layers of the human body and consciousness. The combination of adrenaline, endorphins, and dopamine creates euphoria and ecstasy, while oxytocin rounds off the experience with warmth and closeness.
Safety & points of attention
Although hormonal reactions are an important part of the BDSM experience, they can also have a downside. A sudden drop in adrenaline or endorphins after a session can lead to what is known as a subdrop: fatigue, irritability, sadness, or emptiness. That is why it is crucial to provide aftercare and allow the hormonal balance to recover calmly.
For the Dominant, hormonal peaks (such as a dopamine or adrenaline boost) can also turn into fatigue or mental overstimulation. Aftercare therefore applies to both parties.
Finally, it is important to realize that hormones can influence behavior, but never take away responsibility. Every action within BDSM must remain conscious, voluntary, and safe, regardless of the hormonal rush one may be experiencing.
Related terms hormones
Adrenaline
Dopamine
Dopamine addiction
Endorphins
Oxytocin
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