Butterflies in the stomach

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Butterflies in the stomach is a medical condition characterized by the physical sensation of a "fluttery" or "tickling" (hence butterflies) feeling in the stomach. This sensation can also be an uncontrollable physical sensation related to the body's fight or flight resonse or it can be an ineffable experience related to the psychology of love.

Some believe that this is caused by the release of epinephrine, or adrenaline when one is nervous, pulling blood away from the stomach and sending it to the muscles. This reduced blood flow, in turn, causes the stomach to temporarily shut down, and possibly the reason for reduced appetite during love sickness.

[edit] Condition as a Physiological Response

Butterflies in the stomach is most often experienced prior to important events, when stress is induced, but can be experienced in situations of impending danger. It is common for one to feel butterflies in the stomach when one is in the early stages of a relationship. Butterflies in the stomach are often seen as a positive and harmless sign of one's subconscious feelings for one's romantic interest and are caused by the release of mood altering endorphins. Butterflies in the stomach are frequent in first time teenage romances and studies show that this symptom is more frequently experienced by females.