The Alchemy of Love and Lust

Fluctuating hormone levels and the way hormones interact create the cycles and peaks in our sexual desire, moods, emotions and ability to form relationships, according to Crenshaw, a California-based sex therapist and researcher. For instance, a nursing mother produces high levels of prolactin, which reduces her sex drive. Reading romance novels or listening to romantic music, the author advises, may raise levels of phenylethylamine (PEA), ""the molecule of love,"" an amphetamine-like substance that makes you feel as though you were in a mind-altered state. And a potential mate may be alluring you by means of his/her pheromones, bodily compounds that transmit sexual signals via scent. This popularly written synthesis of research on hormones and sexuality includes charts and tables for readers trying to keep track of all the variables. A lot of Crenshaw's frank advice is eminently sensible: sex or frequent touching (even touching a pet) extends longevity; prescription drugs do more harm than most people realize, directly causing one-fourth of all cases of impotence. First serial to Cosmopolitan and Fitness; BOMC selection; S&S audio; author tour. (Mar.)