The science behind why heartbreak feels physical

             Written by: Ehsan Siddiqui

4 Feb 2026

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The "emotional shock" triggers the adrenal glands to dump massive amounts of cortisol into the blood. This causes the large muscles in your chest to contract and tighten, creating the physical sensation of a heavy, "broken" heart.

The Cortisol Flood

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Emotional distress alters serotonin and dopamine levels, disturbing sleep cycles and appetite. This imbalance is why heartbreak often brings insomnia, fatigue, or loss of hunger.

Sleep & Appetite Disruption

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Stress hormones affect the gut, slowing digestion or causing nausea. That “gut‑wrenching” feeling during heartbreak is a literal physical response to emotional turmoil.

Digestive Upset

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Love floods the brain with feel-good chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. Sudden heartbreak can cause these chemicals to crash, triggering withdrawal‑like symptoms: insomnia, nausea, body aches, and emotional emptiness.

Withdrawal Symptoms

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As stress hormones settle and brain chemistry stabilises, physical symptoms gradually ease. Prioritising sleep, nourishment, movement, and social support helps the body recover alongside the heart.

Healing Is Biological Too

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